The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (ME) is conducting research on using gyroscopic assistance to maintain balance, with DEMO being closely involved in the project.
Falls frequently cause serious injuries, especially among the elderly (65+), who are considered a high-risk group. Wearable robotics offer a solution in the form of a "backpack" containing two actuators—Control Moment Gyroscopes (CMGs). A gyroscope is essentially a spinning top: a mass that is symmetrical and rotates around an axis at its center. As long as the mass spins, it resists changes in the orientation of the axis. When a top is mounted in a gimbal, allowing full freedom of movement, it functions as a gyroscope and can be used as an orientation instrument.
Mechanical and electronic insights must come together to create a lightweight yet effective and wearable device. Initially, DEMO was asked to assist with software, but this has evolved into a broader collaboration.
