Experimental Validation of a Variable Stiffness Attachment Interface
In this study, I am experimentally validating a variable stiffness design approach for forearm attachment based on underlying soft tissue properties.
Many wearable devices fail due to suboptimal attachment interface design, leading to a lack of safety and ergonomics during physical human-robot interaction (pHRI). A better human-centered approach for attachment interfaces must include human properties in the design process. In this project, I propose to use soft tissue stiffness to design a variable stiffness forearm attachment interface. Discrete foam padding on the forearm cuff will be matched to the soft tissue stiffness at the corresponding location. This design approach will be evaluated using pHRI performance metrics such as kinematic misalignment, distributed interface loads, and interface energy loss.
Collaborators: Keya Ghonasgi, Paria Esmatloo, Ashish D. Deshpande