Through a student’s resourcefulness and motivation to walk better, the iSchool laid the foundation—and the result could have worldwide implications.
Robotic exoskeletons, which are worn by human beings to augment their strength and endurance, have long been a staple of futuristic science fiction stories. But such devices no longer exist only in the imagination.
Over the past two years, Master of Information student, Thomas (Tom) Garside, has been the subject of a University of Toronto collaboration to bring wearable, powered assistive technology out of the realm of science fiction, and into the everyday lives of people with compromised mobility.
A full time Master of Information student concentrating on CIPS (Critical Information Policy Studies) and KMIM (Knowledge Management), Tom has limited mobility due to cerebral palsy. Typically, he gets around using a cane, manual wheelchair, or motorized scooter.
When Tom arrived at the iSchool in 2013, he knew more advanced alternatives to these familiar mobility aids were being developed by various agencies and corporations—but the exorbitant price left them financially out of reach.
He was familiar with the work of Professor Matt Ratto, Director of the iSchool’s Critical Making Lab, and in fact, came to the iSchool because of his forward thinking research.
As the expert in wearable technology, Dr. Ratto is part of a successful Canadian team that developed a leg socket using a 3D printer to make artificial legs for Ugandans missing a limb.
Tom decided to approach his professor of only two months to ask him to make a custom-made powered assistive device to help him—and people with mobility challenges—be able to walk better.
“I was aware of the amazing work he was doing with biometrics, 3D printing, and wearable technology. Even before being accepted into the iSchool I was impressed by some of the work he had done,” Tom says.
He suggested they study existing exoskeletons (walking assist devices) so they could study the design, and make one in the lab to fit their needs.
Together, the duo approached Dean Seamus Ross to come up with a plan. They decided to start from scratch, and approach U of T engineering students doing a capstone course in their final year of study.
Final year engineering students (pictured from left to right), Shakthi Seerala, Lakmini Perera, Kayatri Rangarajan, and Elizabeth Sumitro, signed on to the project. Thus, began their work on the electrical controls and sensor systems necessary for a mechanized leg brace that could help Garside walk better. (Photo courtesty of Marit Mitchell.)
From there, Tom’s circle of collaborators continued to expand.
Because crafting the device is not solely a mechanical job, Tom sought out the expertise of sensorimotor control and biomechanics specialists, Professors Luc Tremblay and Tyson Beach, of UofT’s Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education. Using state-of-the-art 3D motion capture and force measurement systems, Prof. Beach analyzed Tom’s gait for the part of the device not covered by engineering solutions. “That human factor side,” Tom says.
Meanwhile, the Tetra Design Group charity connected Tom with a volunteer who was able to fabricate the mechanical components of the brace.
Using off-the-shelf radio-controlled motors, the engineering team finished a functioning prototype at a cost of only $1,000. They focussed on perfecting one side, and once it works perfectly, will mirror that success for the other brace.
This past spring, Tom got to strap on the result of this multi-disciplinary team’s hard work to his right foot.
The prototype works by measuring the pressure exerted by Garside’s foot. It detects what part of the stride cycle he is performing, and then helps him flex his leg to complete the appropriate movement.
“I have been amazed by the quality of the brace produced,” Tom says, adding he has found the skills he learned in his project management class at the iSchool helpful.
“I have been delighted to see how well a Masters of Information can help in the development of physical devices. The training I’ve received on design from faculty like Dr. Colin Furness has really been well applied to hardware,” he says. Plus, Tom says the tools and technology at the labs go beyond organization of information, allowing for new products to be developed and tested.
The next step is to continue working with the Engineering department and Tetra to improve the brace’s control system and look at different structural materials over the next year. Then, create a brace for his left leg.
He explains: “Besides the enhancement of the prototype, we’re all excited to continue to show the world that exoskeleton technologies are now mainstream technologies capable of solving issues of mobility for the disabled and elderly.”
Written by Cooper Long and Kathleen O’Brien
