Researchers Take Steps Towards Autonomous AI-Powered Exoskeleton Legs

University of Waterloo researchers are using deep learning and computer vision to develop autonomous exoskeleton legs to help users walk, climb stairs, and avoid obstacles. The ExoNet project, described in an early-access paper on "Frontiers in Robotics and AI", fits users with wearable cameras. AI software processes the camera's video stream, and is being trained to recognize surrounding features such as stairs and doorways, and then determine the best movements to take. "Our control approach wouldn't necessarily require human thought," said Brokoslaw Laschowski, Ph.D. candidate in systems design engineering and lead author on the ExoNet project. "Similar to autonomous cars that drive themselves, we're designing autonomous exoskeletons that walk for themselves."