Developing a smart hip exoskeleton to help people walk better
Official title: AI-driven hip exoskeleton control framework that rapidly generalizes to a broad range of users and real-world locomotor tasks
Funded at Carnegie-Mellon University · NIH-11120306 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Carnegie-Mellon University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $168,596 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB037268-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120306 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include adults aged 65 and older who experience challenges with walking.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have mobility issues or those who are younger than 65 may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Carnegie-Mellon University
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kang, Inseung — Carnegie-Mellon University
- Study coordinator: Kang, Inseung
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.