Erxos
ERXOS: Semi-active exoskeleton based on Advanced Materials to support upper limb rehabilitation treatment
(July 2024 / October 2025)
- Programme: PNRR (M4 C2 I1.5) - Cascade Call "Tuscany Health Ecosystem" - THE - Spoke 9
- Coordinator: Signo Motus
Abstract
The main objective of the ERXOS project is the development and demonstration in a relevant environment (TRL6) of a low-cost semi-active exoskeleton
prototype based on Smart Materials (Electro-Rheological Fluids - ERFs) for upper limb rehabilitation treatment (shoulder/elbow).
The main expected results are:
- to realize a prototype of an exoskeleton based on ERFs for the rehabilitation of the shoulder and/or forearm;
- to increase the performances of currently developed ERFs through a “green chemistry” approach;
- to execute performance and usability tests on the prototype (TRL6) aimed at evaluating the potential clinical use and preparatory to the subsequent pre-market clinical trial.
Based on requirements and specifications defined with the support of clinical “key stakeholders”, the ERXOS prototype will be developed
in two releases (alpha and final version), each of which will be subjected to specific testing and validation sessions.
In parallel, development and optimization activities of the Electrorheological Fluids KET will be carried out.
The project is part of the process of territorial health reorganization in which the optimization of services at sustainable costs
with guarantees of equal or greater effectiveness is an essential condition for any regional health system.
Within the Tuscany Health Ecosystem initiative, the project is complementary and synergic with Sub-project 2
"Assistive and rehabilitative robotics and smart devices" and, in particular, with the activity/sub-objective 9.2.9
"Prototype of robotic exoskeleton for assistance and rehabilitation".
