Personalized 3D-printed exoskeletons powered by AI to help older adults walk easier
Official title: Machine learning-Based Neuromechanical Simulation for Rapid Personalized Exoskeleton Modeling to Enhance Walking Mobility in Community Environments
Funded at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · NIH-11292240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to use AI-driven simulations to design 3D-printed, customized exoskeletons that help older adults walk faster and more easily in everyday community settings.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Daytona Beach, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $522,734 |
| NIH project number | 1R15AG093483-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Older adults seeking to improve walking mobility in community settings may benefit from participating in future design validation studies and trials.
✕Less likely to help
Some individuals with non-ambulatory conditions or severe gait impairment may not benefit from this exoskeleton approach.
What this research studies
This project uses machine learning to create physics-based simulations that design individualized exoskeletons. The goal is to produce ready-to-print, customized devices that improve walking speed and mobility for older adults in real-world environments. By reducing the time and effort needed to tailor a device to each person, it seeks to make wearable assistive tech more accessible in daily life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could mean faster, easier mobility for older adults in their communities, with devices that are tailored to individuals and potentially more affordable to produce.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows willingness to use exoskeletons among older adults, with mobility and activity levels driving acceptance.
Where this research is happening
-
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Daytona Beach, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Luo, Shuzhen — Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
- Study coordinator: Luo, Shuzhen
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.