Repawse I-Exoskeleton Yokuvuselelwa Kwezilwane Ezifuywayo by Leijing Zhou is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award in Ukunakekelwa Kwezilwane Competition Category.
IsilivaUkunakekelwa Kwezilwane· 2025
Repawse I-Exoskeleton Yokuvuselelwa Kwezilwane Ezifuywayo
by Leijing Zhou
Client: Zhejiang University
Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award Winner in Ukunakekelwa Kwezilwane Category
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The Design
About Repawse I-Exoskeleton Yokuvuselelwa Kwezilwane Ezifuywayo
I-Repawse yi-exoskeleton yokuvuselelwa eyakhelwe izinja ezinokukhubazeka kwemilenze yangemuva. Amasensa e-surface electromyography afunda amasignali emisipha esuka emlenzeni wangaphambili ophilile, futhi i-microcontroller isebenzisa la masignali ukubikezela inhloso yokunyakaza. Ama-linear actuator abe esehambisa isisekelo somlenze wangemuva ngesikhathi sangempela, ukuze ukuhamba kuhlale kuhlangene futhi kungokwemvelo. Uhlaka lwenziwe nge-aluminum alloy, ingaphakathi lenziwe nge-memory foam ethambile, kanti amathe ezicathulo enziwe ngenjoloba engashibiliki. Izingxenye ziphrintwe nge-3D kusukela ekuskeneni komzimba ukuze zilingane ngokwesilwane ngasinye futhi kube nokunethezeka okukhulu.
The Recognition
About the Umklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award
Repawse I-Exoskeleton Yokuvuselelwa Kwezilwane Ezifuywayo iwinile uMklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile ngokungajwayelekile okunikezwa imiklamo esezingeni eliphezulu, ebukekayo nethinta kakhulu. Abawinile beSiliva yimisebenzi egqamile kakhulu nedala kakhulu ebonisa ubungcweti obuphawulekayo, italente nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Repawse I-Exoskeleton Yokuvuselelwa Kwezilwane Ezifuywayo ilindeleke ukuba ibe ngumsebenzi omuhle wesibonelo, onobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha ezijulile. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Wesiliva we-A' Design Award uyinto entsha ebonakala kakhulu nethakazelisayo esiza futhi isunduza imingcele yobuciko, isayensi, ukuklama nobuchwepheshe. Repawse I-Exoskeleton Yokuvuselelwa Kwezilwane Ezifuywayo iyinto enomhawu omkhulu kuyo evusa izifiso, ilethe imizwa emihle futhi ivuse ukumangala nokuxakeka.
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
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