FlexSEA : flexible, scalable electronics architecture for wearable robotic applications
Author(s)
Duval, Jean-François
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Alternative title
Flexible, scalable electronics architecture for wearable robotic applications
Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.
Advisor
Hugh Herr.
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The work of this thesis aims to enable the fast prototyping of multi-axis wearable robotic systems by developing a new modular electronics system. The flexible, scalable electronics architecture (FlexSEA) developed for this thesis fills the void between embedded systems used in commercial devices and in research prototypes. This system provides the required hardware and software for precise motion control, data acquisition, and networking. Scalability is obtained through the use of fast industrial communication protocols between the modules, and the standardization of the peripheral interfaces. Hardware and software encapsulation is used to provide high-performance, real-time control of the actuators while keeping the high-level control development fast, safe and simple. The FlexSEA kits are composed of two custom circuit boards (advanced brushless motor driver and microcontroller board), one commercial embedded computer, a complete software stack and documentation. During its development it has been integrated into a powered prosthetic knee as well as an autonomous ankle exoskeleton. To assess the usability of the FlexSEA kit, a new user successfully used a kit to read sensors and control an output device in less than three hours. FlexSEA simplifies and accelerates wearable robotics prototyping.
Description
Thesis: S.M., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of Architecture and Planning, Program in Media Arts and Sciences, 2015. "June 2015." Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. Includes bibliographical references (pages 135-136).
Date issued
2015Department
Program in Media Arts and Sciences (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)Publisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Architecture. Program in Media Arts and Sciences.