Developing a smart hip exoskeleton to help people walk better

AI-driven hip exoskeleton control framework that rapidly generalizes to a broad range of users and real-world locomotor tasks

NIH-funded research Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11120306

This study is working on a smart hip exoskeleton that helps people who have trouble walking, especially older adults, by learning how they walk and adjusting to their needs, so they can move around more easily and stay independent.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCarnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project IDNIH-11120306 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a user-friendly control system for hip exoskeletons that can adapt to various walking patterns in real-world situations. The goal is to enhance mobility for individuals who struggle with walking, particularly older adults and those with unique movement needs. By utilizing advanced artificial intelligence, the exoskeleton will learn and adjust to the user's specific walking style, making it easier for them to maintain independence and perform daily activities. The research aims to simplify the setup process, eliminating the need for extensive expert tuning.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 65 and older who experience challenges with walking.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have mobility issues or those who are younger than 65 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the mobility and quality of life for individuals with walking difficulties.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using AI-driven technologies for mobility assistance, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.

Where this research is happening

Pittsburgh, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.