Avviare: A Modern and Elegant Ankle Foot Orthosis

Restoring Normal Walking Function with Style

There is a limited market for people who suffer from lower limb injury or dysfunction to obtain powered exoskeletons that help restore normative walking function. Current state-of-the-art designs require large, bulky equipment that can be unsightly and draw attention to the device. In a refinement of current powered exoskeletons for the ankle, Adele Rehkemper and Cliff Shin, the designers behind Avviare, have embraced the form of the components to create an overall look and feel that is modern, elegant, and increases the overall acceptance of the device for the user.

Avviare utilizes a set of linear actuators to provide assistance at the ankle. Embedded sensors in the foot piece are used to provide information to control the correct amount and timing of assistance during walking. The foot piece is designed to go in any type of footwear, making it versatile and adaptable to the user's preferences.

The device's dimensions are customizable to fit the user's needs. The overall width can range from 12-20 mm (depending on calf width), depth 20-26 mm (depending on shoe size), and height 20-40 mm (depending on leg length).

This device transforms the experience of wearing an assistive device into one that improves daily function and looks like a top-of-the-line sports car. After attaching to the foot, no additional attention is needed from the user other than taking a step forward. Control of the device adapts to walking speed automatically.

The Avviare project started in August 2013 in Champaign-Urbana, IL and is currently ongoing. It is based on research being done in the field of rehabilitation robotics, with the goal of restoring normal walking function to those with impairments. By incorporating smaller yet powerful actuators, the designers overcame the challenge of improving function without adding excessive weight to the exoskeleton.

Avviare has been recognized for its outstanding design and innovation. It was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in the Cybernetics, Prosthesis, and Implant Design category in 2014. This prestigious award is given to designs that showcase remarkable excellence, technical characteristics, and artistic skill, leaving a lasting impression of positivity, amazement, and wonder.