Engineering Challenges in Developing Exoskeletons for Mobility Assistance

The development of exoskeletons for mobility assistance holds great promise in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with mobility impairments, including those affected by spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other conditions. Exoskeletons can be categorized into powered and passive systems, each designed to aid mobility, such as walking, standing, or climbing stairs. This paper examines the engineering challenges in the design and implementation of exoskeletons, focusing on key areas such as biomechanics, sensors and actuators, control systems, and power supply efficiency. Critical aspects like real-time sensor data processing, actuator selection, and energy storage solutions are discussed in detail, alongside the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) for adaptive movement control. The article also emphasizes the importance of balancing weight, power efficiency, and energy storage to ensure effective and long-lasting use in daily life. With ongoing technological advancements, these challenges are becoming increasingly addressable, leading to more functional and reliable exoskeleton systems for rehabilitation and daily assistance. Keywords: Exoskeletons, Mobility Assistance, Rehabilitation, Biomechanics, Sensors, Actuators, Control Systems, Power Supply, Energy Efficiency