Simulating Ankle Torque during Walking Using a new Bioinspired Muscle Model with Application for Controlling a Powered Exoskeleton

TL;DR

This study introduces a novel muscle model-based control strategy for ankle exoskeletons that predicts muscle torque without EMG signals, enabling more adaptable and human-like assistance during walking.

Contribution

The paper presents the winding filament muscle model controller (WFMC), the first control approach based on a muscle model that does not rely on EMG signals, enhancing exoskeleton control versatility.

Findings

WFMC accurately predicts ankle torque during walking.

The control strategy adapts to different walking speeds and terrains.

Potential for improved exoskeleton design for diverse patient needs.

Abstract

Human-like motion is a primary goal for many robotic assistive devices. Emulating the strategy of the human neuromuscular system may aid the control of such powered devices, yet many challenges remain. In this study, we investigated the potential for using the winding filament model (WFM) of muscle to predict the net muscle moment of the ankle. The long-term goal is to use this model to improve ankle control of a commercial powered exoskeleton. The innovation aspects of this study are: First, there have been no commercialized active ankle exoskeletons available in the market. All the available exoskeletons have passive ankle joints, which cannot mimic human movement, especially in normal and fast walking [1]. Second, the Winding Filament Model Controller (WFMC) is the first control strategy based on a muscle model that does not use an electromyographic (EMG) signal as an input. The activation, which is calculated from EMG, is a crucial input parameter for almost all of the control strategies based on muscle modeling. However, the winding filament muscle model can predict muscle force by using muscle length as the primary input, and the activation input signal could be either a square wave [33] or a simple bell shape function like our study. This is one of the most important benefits of the WFMC strategy, since it makes this bioinspired strategy applicable for all patient populations, even those with impaired muscle activities or without muscle activities (e.g. stroke, spinal cord injury, Parkinson disease, etc.). Third, the WFMC is adaptive to different tasks like walking at different speeds, as well as walking over the incline and over stairs.