AIIMS Delhi and DRDO Collaborate to Develop Exoskeleton for Injured Soldiers

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd Feb. AIIMS Delhi and DRDO have teamed up to work on a project aimed at designing a specialized exoskeleton for military personnel who have suffered injuries during service, leading to loss of mobility or paralysis. This exoskeleton is intended to restore the ability to walk for these injured soldiers.

Professor Bhavuk Garg from the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS revealed that the initial phase of the project involves gathering data on muscle activation patterns during walking. This data will be utilized to design and develop the exoskeleton, essentially a wearable robotic device tailored to the specific needs of paraplegic individuals.

Heading the Orthopaedic Department at AIIMS, Professor Ravi Mittal elaborated on the sophisticated process employed in the project. Through the use of AIIMS’ state-of-the-art Gait Lab, intricate details of a person’s gait are meticulously analyzed, including limb movements, joint rotation, and overall body dynamics. This comprehensive study enables researchers to discern the subtle differences between the gait of a healthy individual and that of someone with mobility impairments.

The Gait Lab, a pioneering initiative at AIIMS Delhi for the past five years, has significantly advanced the understanding of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Mittal emphasized the importance of this study in conditions like osteoarthritis, where joint deterioration necessitates precise interventions such as knee replacements. By comprehensively assessing a patient’s gait, researchers gain valuable insights into the extent of impairment and tailor treatments accordingly.

Professor Garg further outlined the objectives of the project, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize mobility assistance for individuals with paralysis or severe mobility limitations. The exoskeleton, crafted from a combination of plastic and metal, will replicate the natural movements of a healthy individual, allowing users to walk and perform daily activities with ease.

Collaborating closely with IIT Delhi and supported by funding from DRDO, AIIMS Delhi is spearheading efforts to bring this transformative technology to fruition. Dr. Garg expressed optimism about the project’s progress, noting that while still in the early stages, the technology is expected to be fully operational within the next two to three years, offering newfound independence and mobility to those in need.