SKIERS and snowboarders could get聽an extra boost with the help of an聽exoskeleton.
The device helps someone hurtling down a mountain by providing extra power to their legs during turns and by cushioning big impacts, allowing them to stay on the slopes for longer.
San Francisco-based Roam Robotics created the exoskeleton called Elevate. It has mechanical parts that strap to the knees, thighs and ski聽boots, and is powered by a battery backpack with enough power for a full聽day on the piste. Altogether, the device weighs 9 kilograms.
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When someone is skiing or snowboarding with Elevate, it attempts to mimic their movements. The idea is that this gives the wearer greater control and more turning power with less effort.
The device has mechanical components called pneumatic actuators that can take up to 30 per cent of the wearer鈥檚 weight. Roam Robotics says the actuators are lighter and more powerful than equivalent electric motors, which are often used in exoskeletons. It also says the device reduces the impact on the wearer鈥檚 knees when moving downhill.
Skiers and snowboarders can rent the first units at the Lake Tahoe resort in California and, shortly, at Park City in Utah. They will eventually go on sale for around $2500.
Lower-body exoskeletons are generally designed to enhance hikers鈥櫬爀ndurance or to help those with difficulty walking.
Conor Walsh, founder of the Harvard Biodesign Lab, has developed several exoskeletons for people with mobility problems. He says that using the devices for skiing is a logical extension of existing uses. 鈥淭his seems like an excellent application for聽this type of technology,鈥� says Walsh. 鈥淭he compliant nature of the聽system means it can provide assistance to a wearer but not feel restrictive.鈥�
