This DEXO product combines a force-feedback exoskeleton arm, software and a control center. With DEXO, complex robotic teleoperations are made more intuitive and effective thanks to its capability to render force or guidance information during operations. Associated with virtual or augmented reality rendering, these technologies can also be useful in interactive training, upper body rehabilitation and remote operations in dangerous surroundings.
The DEXO Arm is an anthropomorphic arm exoskeleton featuring 7 degrees of freedom, aligned with the motions of the human arm. The design is based on a novel-patented low-cost actuation module that provides a high level of transparency. All joints are featured with absolute position and torque sensing. Moreover, it is adjustable to operators morphology, and can be assembled in a single or dual (right and left) arms configuration. The exoskeleton presents an optimized kinematic configuration enabling a large work space. A passive gravity compensation extension is available in addition to partial active gravity compensation, to minimize arms fatigue and to ensure a high level of comfort for the operator, even for long periods of time.
As part of the DEXO solution, additional technologies can be associated with the arm/hand exoskeletons to offer custom solutions to customers. The DEXO virtual reality environment is built on top of Unity3D, working in association with a dedicated haptics and physical engine allowing accurate and stable haptic rendering while providing immersive capabilities to the operator (e.g. with 3D head mounted displays). It is compatible with the full dual arm and hand exoskeletons configuration. The DEXO control center features the tools for operations monitoring and control, and is compatible with satellite relayed teleoperation.
For more information on this technology, please visit the Space Applications website