EXO PRO: Building Affordable Solutions for Mobility at Cybathlon 2024

EXO PRO：來自台灣的外骨骼創新隊伍，挑戰 Cybathlon 2024

台灣團隊 EXO PRO 正在為 2024 年的 Cybathlon（人造人大賽）積極備戰，致力於突破輔助科技的挑戰，研發創新且負擔得起的外骨骼與義肢。該團隊融合醫學與工程領域的專業知識，專注於開發能夠提升行動能力的設備，幫助身心障礙者更自由地活動。

對許多身障者而言，外骨骼或義肢等輔助裝置價格過於昂貴，或無法完全滿足其行動需求。雖然市面上的義肢可提供基本移動能力，但在攀爬樓梯或行走不平坦地面等較複雜的動作上仍有困難。更別提許多先進系統的高價，讓一般使用者難以負擔。

擔任 EXO PRO 領隊的林立峯教授（台北醫學大學）本身就是一位物理治療師，他深知這些問題的嚴重性。他表示：「在復健過程中，即使使用最先進的科技，病患仍難以真正恢復獨立行動能力。」這也成為他投入更有效解決方案研發的動力。

解決方案：結合外骨骼與義肢科技

EXO PRO 的解決方案，是將外骨骼技術與義肢融合，提升整體功能性。團隊研發的外骨骼裝置能協助義肢使用者完成更複雜的動作，顯著改善活動能力。團隊首席工程師簡朝欽（台北科技大學）說明：「我們開發了一種能偵測使用者動作意圖的演算法，讓外骨骼能更自然地反應。不過我們也面臨不少挑戰，比如如何在不增加成本的前提下減輕裝置重量。」

為了取得這種平衡，選擇合適的零件成為關鍵，尤其是馬達部分。簡朝欽表示：「我們需要既可靠又輕巧的馬達，以避免給使用者增加額外負擔。」在研究目前廣泛應用的解決方案後，團隊最終選擇了來自 maxon 的馬達，其在外骨骼應用中表現穩定，有助於團隊克服重量與效能的難題。

EXO PRO 的技術並非紙上談兵，將由操控員張維捷於 Cybathlon 2024 現場測試。他天生缺少小腿骨，一直使用義肢，並在體育競賽中表現亮眼。然而，日常行動對他來說仍是一大挑戰。

張維捷表示：「義肢當然有幫助，但上下樓梯、走在不平路面還是很吃力。外骨骼真的可能改變一切。」對他來說，參加 Cybathlon 不只是比賽，更是一個突破自我、展現這項科技潛力的機會。他說：「我不覺得自己缺了一條腿，我的腿就像鋼鐵人。」

未來願景：讓科技更普及、更可負擔

EXO PRO 的長期目標，是讓輔助裝置變得更普及與平價。簡朝欽表示：「目前多數外骨骼設備都是進口且價格昂貴，對台灣來說尤其困難。我們想要開發出更親民的產品，讓更多人負擔得起。」

儘管團隊仍面對技術挑戰，例如如何優化重量與電池續航，但他們依舊堅持改良設計，以真正貼近使用者的日常需求。林教授補充：「我們把 Cybathlon 當成一個舞台，展示我們目前的技術成果，也探索它在未來的更多可能性。」

EXO PRO 不僅僅是為了贏得比賽，更致力於解決真實生活中的問題。他們的強項在於創造實用且具成本效益的方案，真正改善行動不便者的生活品質。隨著 Cybathlon 2024 的臨近，EXO PRO 希望向世界證明：創新科技不一定昂貴，它可以為每個人所用。

EXO PRO, a Taiwanese team preparing for Cybathlon 2024, is tackling the challenges of assistive technology by developing innovative yet affordable exoskeletons and prosthetics. The team's unique approach combines medical and engineering expertise, focused on creating devices that enhance mobility for people with disabilities.

For many people with disabilities, assistive devices such as exoskeletons or prosthetics are either too expensive or don’t fully meet their mobility needs. While existing prosthetics allow for basic movement, they struggle with more complex tasks like climbing stairs or navigating uneven terrain. Cost is another significant barrier, with many advanced systems priced beyond reach for the average user.

Professor Li-Fong Lin (Taipei Medical University), who leads EXO PRO, sees these issues firsthand as a physical therapist. "In rehabilitation, we often see patients who, even with the best technology, can't fully regain their independence," he says. This motivated him to work on more effective solutions.

The Approach: Merging Exoskeletons and Prosthetics

EXO PRO’s solution merges exoskeleton technology with prosthetics, enhancing the capabilities of both. The team’s exoskeleton helps users with prosthetics tackle more complex movements, improving overall functionality. Jack Chien (National Taipei University of Technology), the team’s lead engineer, explains, “We developed an algorithm that detects movement intentions, allowing the exoskeleton to respond fluidly. But we also face challenges, like reducing the system's weight without driving up costs.”

Choosing the right components is crucial for achieving this balance, and motors play a key role. "We needed motors that are both reliable and lightweight to avoid adding unnecessary strain on the user," says Jack. After researching widely-used solutions in the field, the team opted for motors from maxon, known for their consistent performance in exoskeleton systems, helping them address weight and efficiency challenges.

The team’s technology is not just theoretical; it will be tested at Cybathlon 2024 by Chang Wei Chieh, EXO PRO’s pilot. Born without a shinbone, Wei Chieh uses a prosthetic leg and has already achieved great success in adaptive sports. However, everyday mobility remains a challenge.

"Prosthetics help, but navigating stairs and obstacles is still tough," Wei Chieh explains. "The exoskeleton could make a huge difference." For Wei Chieh, Cybathlon is a chance to push his limits and demonstrate the potential of the technology. "I don’t lack a leg," he says. "My leg is like Iron Man's."

The Road Ahead: Making Technology Accessible

EXO PRO’s long-term goal is to make assistive devices more accessible and affordable. “Most exoskeletons are imported and extremely expensive, especially in Taiwan. We want to develop something that’s within reach for more people,” Jack says.

While the team faces technical hurdles—such as optimizing weight and battery life—they remain committed to refining their design to meet the everyday needs of people with disabilities. "We’re using Cybathlon as a platform to showcase what our technology can do now and explore future applications," Professor Lin adds.

EXO PRO is focused not just on winning competitions, but on solving real-world problems. Their strength lies in creating practical, cost-effective solutions that improve the lives of people with mobility challenges. As they head into Cybathlon 2024, EXO PRO is determined to show that innovation doesn’t have to come at a high price—it can be accessible to all.