Repawse Exoskeleton Fanarenana ho an'ny Biby Fiompy by Leijing Zhou

Repawse Exoskeleton Fanarenana ho an'ny Biby Fiompy by Leijing Zhou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Volafotsy in Famolavolana Fikarakarana Biby, Kilalao, Kojakoja ary Vokatra ho an'ny Biby Competition Category.

VolafotsyFikarakarana Biby· 2025

Repawse Exoskeleton Fanarenana ho an'ny Biby Fiompy

by Leijing Zhou

Client: Zhejiang University

A' Design Award Volafotsy Winner in Fikarakarana Biby Category

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Colors

The Design

About Repawse Exoskeleton Fanarenana ho an'ny Biby Fiompy

Repawse dia exoskeleton fanarenana natao ho an'ny alika manana fahasembanana amin'ny tongony aoriana. Sensor electromyography eo amin'ny hoditra no mamaky ny famantarana avy amin'ny hozatra amin'ny tongotra anoloana salama, ary microcontroller iray no mampiasa ireo famantarana ireo mba haminavina ny fikasan'ny fihetsika. Ny actuator mahitsy avy eo dia mampihetsika ny tohan'ny tongotra aoriana amin'ny fotoana tena izy, ka mijanona ho mirindra sy voajanahary ny fandehanana. Ny rafitra dia vita amin'ny alloy aliminioma, ny lafiny anatiny amin'ny memory foam malefaka, ary ny faladia amin'ny fingotra tsy misolantsolana. Ny singa dia natonta amin'ny fanontana 3D avy amin'ny scan ny vatana mba hifanaraka tsara amin'ny tsirairay sy hampitombo ny hakamorana.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Volafotsy

Nandresy ny A' Design Award Volafotsy ny famolavolana Repawse Exoskeleton Fanarenana ho an'ny Biby Fiompy, fankasitrahana malaza be omena ny famolavolana ambaratonga ambony, tsara tarehy ary mahavariana. Ny mpandresy Volafotsy dia asa mamirapiratra dia mamirapiratra ary mamorona dia mamorona izay maneho ny fahaizana, ny talenta ary ny fahamaotinan-tsain'ny mpamolavola azy. Andrasana ho asa mahagaga, ohatra tsara, mahay amin'ny asa ary vaovao amin'ny halalin-tsaina ny famolavolana Repawse Exoskeleton Fanarenana ho an'ny Biby Fiompy. Ity famolavolana nandresy ny A' Design Award Volafotsy ity dia fikarohana miavaka be ary ankafizina izay mahasoa ary mampandroso ny sisintanin'ny zavakanto, ny siansa, ny famolavolana ary ny teknolojia. Ny famolavolana Repawse Exoskeleton Fanarenana ho an'ny Biby Fiompy dia famoronana mahazo fitaka be izay mamaly ny faniriana, mitondra fihetseham-po tsara ary mamelona fahagagana sy fahatalanjonana.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: In response to the rehabilitation needs of disabled pets, we have developed a canine rehabilitation exoskeleton based on surface electromyographic (sEMG) control. By collecting sEMG signals from the healthy forelimb, the system drives the hindlimb actuators in real time to synchronise gait. Combined with 3D printing for custom design, it provides precise movement assistance for disabled dogs, embodying the technological protection of animal life dignity.
Dimensions & Packaging: Dimensions: 220mm × 200mm × 540mm
Materials: Aluminum alloy frame, soft memory foam lining, rubber soles
Technology: Surface EMG sensors, linear actuators, microcontroller-based control
Power source: Rechargeable lithium battery, 7.4V, 5000mAh
Tags: Pet Rehabilitation, Animal Welfare, Exoskeleton, sEMG Signal, Active Control, 3D-Printing, Customized Design, Assistive Mobility
Production Technology: The exoskeleton is produced through advanced 3D printing technology allowing individual customization based on precise body scans. Lightweight, durable materials, including soft memory foam lining, aluminum alloy for structural parts, and anti-slip rubber soles, ensure strength, comfort, and safety in daily use.
Design Challenge: The primary challenge was accurately interpreting animal intention through muscle signals, with few existing precedents or standards. Historically, disabled pets faced limited and uncomfortable assistive solutions. Technologically, creating lightweight yet robust actuators and ensuring comfort required extensive material research, innovative mechanical design, and iterative prototyping with real pets.
Research: This project originated from a news report on prosthetic limbs for disabled pets, highlighting the pros and cons of current solutions. Inspired, we explored transferring active-control exoskeleton technology—originally developed for stroke patients—to veterinary rehabilitation. Through extensive field research, EMG data collection from animals, iterative predictive modeling, and mechanical prototyping, we successfully created an intelligent, active-assist exoskeleton for pets.
Inspiration: The inspiration for this project originated from a news report highlighting customized prosthetics for disabled pets, exposing significant limitations in current solutions. Coupled with my personal experience of caring for my own dog after its hindlimb injury, I recognized the broader societal need to extend humane, intelligent rehabilitation technology from human healthcare into pet care, ultimately enhancing animal welfare.
Project Duration: The project started in 2023 in Hangzhou and finished in March 2025 in Hangzhou.
Operation Flow: When the dog walks, sensors detect muscle signals (sEMG) from the healthy forelimb. These signals are processed to predict the movement intention of the impaired hindlimb, triggering linear actuators in real time. This active, intuitive assistance ensures natural movement, aiding rehabilitation efficiently.
Team Members: Menghan Li
Leijing Zhou
Xinmiao Shen
Xiaofei Gong
Xiaotong Guan
Ding Ding
Jinjie Li
Qianyi Wang
Keyin Chen
Zixiang Wang
Zihan Zhang