Repawse Rehabilitačný exoskelet pre domáce zvieratá by Leijing Zhou

Repawse Rehabilitačný exoskelet pre domáce zvieratá by Leijing Zhou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Strieborná cena A' Design Award in Starostlivosť o zvieratá Competition Category.

StriebornáStarostlivosť o zvieratá· 2025

Repawse Rehabilitačný exoskelet pre domáce zvieratá

by Leijing Zhou

Client: Zhejiang University

Strieborná cena A' Design Award Winner in Starostlivosť o zvieratá Category

75,206

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #172611

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Repawse Rehabilitačný exoskelet pre domáce zvieratá

Repawse je rehabilitačný exoskelet navrhnutý pre psov s postihnutím zadných končatín. Senzory povrchovej elektromyografie snímajú svalové signály zo zdravej prednej končatiny a mikrokontrolér tieto signály využíva na predikciu zámeru pohybu. Lineárne aktuátory následne v reálnom čase pohybujú oporou zadnej končatiny, takže chôdza zostáva koordinovaná a prirodzená. Rám je vyrobený z hliníkovej zliatiny, výstelka z mäkkej pamäťovej peny a podrážky z protišmykovej gumy. Diely sa tlačia na 3D tlačiarni podľa skenov tela pre individuálne prispôsobenie a väčšie pohodlie.

The Recognition

About the Strieborná cena A' Design Award

Repawse Rehabilitačný exoskelet pre domáce zvieratá je laureát Striebornej ceny A' Design Award, mimoriadne prestížneho uznania udeľovaného nádherným, pôsobivým dizajnom najvyššej kvality. Laureáti Striebornej ceny sú nesmierne brilantné a mimoriadne kreatívne diela, ktoré ilustrujú výnimočnú odbornosť, talent a bystrosť svojich dizajnérov. Od Repawse Rehabilitačný exoskelet pre domáce zvieratá sa očakáva, že bude úžasným, vzorovým dielom, pozoruhodne profesionálnym a hlboko inovatívnym. Tento dizajn ocenený Striebornou cenou A' Design Award je veľmi pozoruhodný, obdivovaný vynález, ktorý prináša úžitok a posúva hranice umenia, vedy, dizajnu a technológie. Repawse Rehabilitačný exoskelet pre domáce zvieratá je výtvor, ktorému mnohí závidia, ktorý vzbudzuje túžby, prináša pozitívne pocity a vyvoláva úžas a údiv.

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