This technology is a body-mounted, convertible manipulator structure designed to assist with upper-limb strength. It features multiple foldable links and a four-bar linkage-based hand lift, providing a mechanical interlocking mechanism that allows the device to be unfolded only during heavy-duty tasks and folded and secured to the body when not in use.
Conventional fixed-type manipulators suffer from installation space constraints and reduced mobility, while upper-limb robots integrated with lower-limb exoskeleton robots often cause reduced walking speed and lower drive efficiency due to the added load on the lower-limb structure.
Based on a body-mounted frame, this technology utilizes a variable foldable joint structure incorporating link guide members and lift-locking components. The connecting links ensure that the foldable links and the hand lift are synchronized during deployment and retraction. When not in use, the lift is secured tightly against the body using the opening of the lift-locking component and an elastic support. This design enhances mobility and operational convenience, making it suitable for industrial strength assistance, logistics, and rehabilitation.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning for the development of affordable medical assistance robots through the convergence of remote medical services and robotics technology.
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