IHMC’s Mina exoskeleton is tested by a paraplegic (T12 SCI complete) user. Photograph courtesy of the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC).
Kenneth Ford, PhD, director and CEO of the Florida Institute for Human & Machine Cognition (IHMC), joined institute researchers to unveil Mina, a robotic exoskeleton developed to restore ambulation for individuals afflicted with paraplegia, hemiplegia, paresis, asthenia, and functional muscle loss.
“At IHMC, our scientists continually strive to invent and develop technologies that will make a truly meaningful contribution to mankind, and Mina is no exception,” Ford said in an IHMC press release. “Tests of Mina have shown remarkable results in enabling upright mobility among those who have lost independent leg function, and the applications of the device are both widespread and profound.”
Mina has been under development for several years by Peter Neuhaus, PhD, Jerry Pratt, PhD, MEng, and IHMC researchers Jerryll Noorden, Travis Craig, Tec Torres, Justin Kirschbaum, David Lecoutre, Ionut Olaru, PhD, MEng, John Taylor, and Matt Bellman. Currently in its Phase II prototype form, Mina has been subjected to an array of onsite evaluations. Most recently, operational evaluation involved two individuals with complete spinal cord injury (T10 and T12 vertebrae) who are unable to walk. Within hours of training with the IHMC team on the use of Mina, both individuals were able to walk independently with forearm crutches for support. For both, this was the first experience of walking upright since becoming paralyzed.
Secured to the individual with leg, waist, and shoulder attachments, Mina utilizes computer-controlled motors at the hips and knees to move the user’s legs while the user provides balance with a pair of forearm crutches. Future versions of the device are slated to include advanced user interfaces and untethered operation. Other next-generation versions of Mina are expected to address mobility over varied terrains, augment human strength capabilities when operating in complex mobility environments, as well as to rehabilitate those with stroke and spinal cord injuries.
A video of IHMC’s Mina can be viewed at www.ihmc.us/research/mina/Mina.php
