Hanyang HARCO LAB

Development of a portable powered assistance device and service to provide assistive force to a passive leg support, enhancing mobility.


Period : 2024-04-01 ~ 2027-12-31

Total Budget : 330,000,000 KRW


Goal of This Project

  • Design a lightweight, tendon-driven system attachable to existing passive orthoses.

  • Provide assistive torque at key gait phases to restore natural walking patterns.

  • Reduce fall risk and improve user confidence in real-world walking environments.

  • Validate the device with target users and establish commercialization pathways.


Importance of the Research

  • Restrict mobility and fail to meet the needs of users seeking active daily ambulation.

  • High cost, heavy structure, and limited applicability in daily life.

  • Increase in aging and single-person disabled households necessitates practical assistive solutions.

  • Reduce complications such as joint contractures, muscle atrophy, and depression.

  • Expand user choices, lower public healthcare burdens, and revitalize the domestic assistive device industry.


Research Content and Scope

  • Utilize 3D motion capture to analyze gait phases and define assistive control requirements.

  • Design sensor-based algorithms for accurate phase recognition (stance/swing) in real-time.

  • Implement multiple control modes (ASSIST, SLACK, BRACE) and emergency response strategies.

  • Create adaptive algorithms to optimize control parameters based on individual gait patterns.

  • Ensure compatibility with AFO, KAFO, and HKAFO and adapt control algorithms accordingly.

  • Define risk scenarios and appropriate mitigation strategies for real-world usage.

Participating Researchers


Funding