Introduction
With financial support from the European Union and the Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI), Gogoa Mobility Robots is proud to announce a significant milestone in rescue technology innovation: the successful completion of the EXO-RESCUE project. This ambitious initiative has developed a modular, semi-active full-body exoskeleton specifically designed to assist rescue service professionals in their demanding tasks.
EXO-RESCUE: An Advancement in Rescue Technology
EXO-RESCUE is a semi-active, modular, full-body exoskeleton designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of rescuers in high-risk operations. This device provides support in situations requiring the lifting and transportation of heavy loads, facilitating rescue operations in traffic accidents, natural disasters, and other emergencies.
Background
Rescue services such as civil protection, firefighters, police, and military frequently perform crucial activities for society, often in high-risk situations. Current exoskeletons have significant limitations in terms of flexibility, adaptability, and ergonomics, making their effective use in rescue operations challenging. EXO-RESCUE addresses these limitations by creating an exoskeleton capable of adapting to various tasks and users, providing personalized support, and improving safety and efficiency in rescue operations.
Project Objectives
The primary objective of EXO-RESCUE has been to develop and validate an operational prototype of a modular full-body exoskeleton. This device is designed to support heavy loads and operate in extreme conditions, both indoors and outdoors. Its modularity and intelligent systems allow it to automatically adapt to the specific needs of each rescue task, significantly enhancing the physical capabilities of rescuers.
Innovative Features of EXO-RESCUE
Modularity and Flexibility: The EXO-RESCUE exoskeleton is modular, allowing different body parts to be used depending on the task required. This feature facilitates its rapid adaptation and configuration for various rescue activities.
Active and Passive Actuators: It combines the lightness and agility of passive actuators with the power provided by active actuators. Passive actuators in the legs and arms enable agile movements, while active actuators can be attached for tasks that require lifting heavy loads.
Artificial Intelligence: Integrated with non-invasive sensors and control algorithms based on artificial intelligence, the exoskeleton automatically adjusts the level of assistance needed. This eliminates the need for manual controls, improving efficiency in emergency situations.
Project Consortium
The EXO-RESCUE project has been made possible through the collaboration of three main entities:
Gogoa Mobility Robots, S.L.: Founded in 2015 as a spin-off of CSIC, Gogoa has excelled in the design and manufacture of exoskeletons for various fields, including medicine, industry, agriculture, and defense. Their focus on R&D has led to the creation of innovative and award-winning products.
IHS Weigling, S.L.: A SME specialized in the customized development of electronic products for sectors such as energy, electromedicine, and industry. Their expertise in embedded hardware and software has been crucial for the integration of the exoskeleton's systems.
SUPSI: The University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Southern Switzerland, which brings extensive experience in automation, control, and industrial technologies, has been fundamental in the knowledge transfer required for the exoskeleton's development.
Project Results
Conceptual and Detailed Design
The design of the exoskeleton began with identifying user requirements, in collaboration with the firefighters of Valencia and the Alpine Rescue Group of Ticino (Switzerland). Innovative technical solutions were developed, detailed in CAD-3D, and validated through Finite Element Analysis. The passive and active actuators were designed to support significant loads without limiting the user's mobility.
Prototype and Functional Validation
The first functional prototype of EXO-RESCUE was manufactured and subjected to rigorous testing in both laboratory and real-world conditions. Validation tests, conducted with firefighters and alpine rescuers, demonstrated the exoskeleton's effectiveness in reducing physical load and improving performance in rescue tasks.
Conclusions
The completion of the EXO-RESCUE project marks a significant advancement in the field of assistive robotics for rescue operations. This modular and intelligent exoskeleton not only enhances the physical capabilities of rescuers but also opens new market opportunities in an unexplored niche. Gogoa Mobility Robots reaffirms its commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in exoskeleton design, contributing to the well-being and safety of those who tirelessly work in rescue activities.
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