Innovating Mobility: Markus Opitz’s Game-Changing Exoskeleton for Shoulder Support

Markus Opitz, an artist, maker, and educator, is making waves in the world of wearable technology with his innovative partial exoskeleton. Designed to provide much-needed shoulder support, this remarkable device combines cutting-edge technology with a heartfelt personal story.

A Personal Inspiration

Opitz’s journey began close to home. "My father is over 80 years old and has a damaged shoulder that he wants to avoid operating on. He struggles to lift his arm very high," he shares. This family challenge sparked his dedication to creating a wearable solution. After exploring various exoskeletons designed for craftspeople, Opitz quickly realized that many of these devices pose a significant issue: individuals with disabilities often can’t put them on by themselves.

The Design and Functionality

The exoskeleton Opitz has developed is uniquely designed for ease of use, allowing the wearer to put it on and take it off independently. At its core is a robust 40kg servo that helps alleviate the strain of lifting an arm. "This device only requires a single servo to assist in arm lifting," Opitz explains. Plus, it keeps lateral movements fully within the user’s control thanks to a hinge positioned strategically above the shoulder joint.

Cutting-Edge Technology

The heart of the device lies in a powerful Espressif ESP32 microcontroller that connects wirelessly via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to a wrist-mounted motion tracker. This setup employs the Seeed Studio XIAO BLE nRF52840 Sense, which features an integrated accelerometer. As the user attempts to lift their arm, the system detects the motion and activates the servo for assistance — it then relaxes once the arm is lowered.

The Power Behind the Device

To ensure sufficient power without relying on smaller batteries, Opitz opts for a Bosch battery pack from a Gardena gardening tool. "Its 18 volts need to be converted down to 7.4V to match the servo’s requirements, using an adjustable buck converter," he explains. An intermediate capacitor is included to smooth out any current fluctuations, preventing the servo from trembling during operation. Although the battery may be large, it’s designed to be easy to grip and simply clicks into place for a reliable connection.

Explore More

For anyone intrigued by Opitz’s innovative approach, the entire exoskeleton project is thoroughly documented on his Instructables page. He has also detailed the wrist controller in a separate project, making it accessible for anyone interested in wearable technology.

Conclusion

Markus Opitz’s partial exoskeleton stands as a beacon of hope for those facing mobility challenges, combining technology with compassion and innovation. As we watch developments like this one unfold, it’s clear that the landscape of assistance devices is shifting for the better.

The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.