Robotic Knee Brace for Military and First Responders: The Forge by Roam Robotics
Summary
In this article, we discuss Roam Robotics’ Forge knee brace, a military-grade robotic knee brace designed to assist military members and first responders in carrying heavy gear or navigating difficult terrain. The brace promises to double strength and endurance, reduce experienced G-forces by half, and last up to eight hours. It is lightweight and relatively affordable, using pneumatic actuators instead of heavy motors and servos. We also review the results of controlled and less controlled tests of the brace, including its impact on the user’s mobility and noise level.
Table of Contents
- The Forge Knee Brace
- Controlled Test Results
- Less Controlled Test Results
- Future Innovations
- Conclusion
The Forge Knee Brace
Roam Robotics’ Forge knee brace is a personal mobility technology designed to assist military members and first responders in carrying heavy gear or navigating difficult terrain. The brace promises to double strength and endurance, reduce experienced G-forces by half, and last up to eight hours. It is lightweight and relatively affordable, using pneumatic actuators instead of heavy motors and servos. The brace comprises two main parts: a brace on each leg and a power pack that powers both. It is controlled by a remote on the user’s left shoulder.
Controlled Test Results
The Forge knee brace was tested in a controlled lab environment and helped the user power through turns with less strain on their knee. The user was able to squat more than their body weight eight times and jump off a high platform with weight and land without injury. The brace also allowed the user to be on their feet all day without knee pain. However, the Forge is not designed to assist with running, and when tested, it was found to impede movement. The brace uses a compressor to supply air to the braces, which creates noise and vibrations.
Less Controlled Test Results
In a less controlled test, the brace did not help the user dunk a basketball. It was designed to help firefighters carry people out of harm’s way up many flights of stairs, and it was able to do so while still allowing for a normal conversation. However, the brace did not let the user jump like a professional basketball player, and the noise level was rather prominent indoors. The impact test simulates high seas and the impacts that would be taken on the leg. The Forge is designed for high impact, but Roam has two other models, the Ascend and Elevate, for people with knee issues and skiers, respectively.
Future Innovations
The Forge knee brace shows promise for personal mobility technology, and future innovations in this space will be interesting to see. Roam Robotics is already working on other models, such as the Ascend and Elevate, for people with knee issues and skiers, respectively. As the technology advances, we may see even more applications for robotic knee braces in various industries.
Conclusion
Roam Robotics’ Forge knee brace offers a promising solution for military members and first responders who need to carry heavy gear or navigate difficult terrain. While it may not be suitable for all activities, it has proven effective in controlled tests and real-world scenarios. As personal mobility technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions for those with mobility issues.
