TechByte: Space Ace Tech could bring new mobility aids

Robotic components have reached a price point where you don’t have to be NASA to build something really cool. On this week’s Tech Byte we look at space age technology, and how it could help regular folks like us.
Even astronauts can struggle to stay in shape…

So, researchers are developing robotic space pants to help crews move more naturally and maintain muscle mass on missions.

The soft exosuit uses inflatable artificial muscles to reduce fatigue and improve flexibility inside bulky spacesuits.

Dr. Emanuele Pulvirenti, Research associate, University of Bristol says, “What the suit does is it helps with their knee extension and also with their ankle mobility, because those two joints are the ones that are most affected from wearing a heavy, big spacesuit.”

British scientists say the tech could also help people here on Earth, supporting rehabilitation, making exercise easier, or helping with everyday movement.

This compressed air approach differs from some other exoskeleton solutions. A team at Stanford University put out a video in 2022 showing one of their exoskeleton projects.
This model uses circuitry and servos to drive the wearer’s leg forward. Instead of moving your leg for you, it assists you and gives you an extra “spring in your step”.
Technologies like these could be the standard for the future when it comes to mobility aids, giving handicapped individuals the ability to stand at eye level
A company called KAIST has been working on what they call the WalkON suit F1. This exoskeleton allows someone with no ability to move their legs at all a chance to walk again.

From Velcro to insulation that can withstand superheating, tech for the space race has been benefiting us for generations now.