FURI | Spring 2020

Design Optimization of the Active Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AAFO)

The objective of this project was to optimize a rigid, motorized ankle-foot orthosis (afo) to assist in the rehabilitation process for people suffering from neuromuscular conditions that impair ankle-foot mobility. Using Solidworks, motion capture software, and MATLAB it was possible to develop an Active Ankle-Foot Orthosis (AAFO) of a sufficiently small mass to incorporate into walking studies without inhibiting the normal gait cycle of a person. This AAFO provides future researchers with the ability to test if the robot is robust enough to entrain people suffering from neuromuscular conditions to achieve a normal gait cycle.