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Custom Fit: Creating AI-Powered Exoskeletons for Individual Mobility Needs
By Jena Lynde-Smith
Photos by Brenna Mackay
In Canada, about 13.7 per cent of individuals aged 15 and over report having mobility disabilities, requiring the use of assistive devices such as canes and wheelchairs to walk or climb stairs. Despite their widespread use, these traditional tools have limitations as they can cause physical strain, restrict terrain navigation, and pose daily accessibility challenges.
To address these issues, Carleton University researcher Mojtaba Ahmadi is designing advanced exoskeletons – wearable robotic devices powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These exoskeletons aim to provide assistive force for walking and daily activities while addressing the limitations of traditional assistive devices – offering improved mobility and accessibility for individuals with disabilities in Canada and beyond.
“Exoskeletons can help people stand up and walk, they can help with posture,” says Ahmadi, a professor in Carleton’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. “If the device is strong and smart enough, it’s an excellent way for people with disabilities to regain function and autonomy.”
Mojtaba Ahmadi, Carleton University mechanical engineering professor
Advancing Traditional Exoskeletons with AI
Robotic exoskeletons [...]