AIIMS Delhi & DRDO Collaborate on Exoskeleton Project to Aid Injured Soldiers

The exoskeleton, described as a structure made of plastic and metal, is envisioned to be a wearable robotic device.

In a recent collaboration, the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Delhi and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) are working on a project to develop a specialized exoskeleton.

This exoskeleton aims to provide mobility assistance to soldiers who have been injured in service, lost their ability to walk or become paralyzed. This technology will empower injured soldiers to regain the capability to walk.

Data Collection at AIIMS Gait Lab

Professor Bhavuk Garg from the Department of Orthopaedics at AIIMS shared insights into the project, highlighting the institution's state-of-the-art Gait Lab. He said, "We have the best gait lab in India, and right now, in the first phase, we are looking and collecting data about muscle activation patterns in people while walking."

The Gait Lab records intricate details of movements, including knees and legs, using sensors and cameras placed on the body.

Professor Ravi Mittal, head of the Orthopaedic Department at AIIMS, elaborated on the Gait Lab's role in the project. He stated, "In our Gait Lab, we record the movements of knees, legs, etc. For this, we record them by placing many sensors and cameras on the body."

The collected data is then analyzed comprehensively to understand how an individual walks, including details such as speed, rotation of legs, and body posture.

Dr Mittal emphasized that the Gait Lab study, conducted for about five years at AIIMS Delhi, plays a crucial role in understanding various health conditions affecting movement.

For conditions including osteoarthritis, where joints wear out, the lab study helps determine the changes in gait and body parameters. This detailed study serves as the foundation for developing the exoskeleton.

Exoskeleton Design and Functionality

The exoskeleton, described as a structure made of plastic and metal, is envisioned to be a wearable robotic device. Professor Bhavuk Garg explained that the current focus is on studying the walking patterns of healthy individuals.

"What movements his body makes, and how his muscles are activated. That data is being collected through this lab, and after collecting the data, we will try to replicate it through an exoskeleton, i.e., a small robot, to see how it can work like a common man," he said.

The collaborative efforts extend beyond AIIMS and DRDO, involving the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. Funding for the project is provided by DRDO, indicating the strategic importance and support for advancing this medical technology.

The collaborative nature of the project brings together expertise from medical and technological domains to address a critical need for injured soldiers.

Dr Garg emphasized the potential impact of the exoskeleton on individuals facing paralysis or mobility challenges. "So he will be able to do all his work while wearing it."

The collaboration between AIIMS, IIT Delhi, and DRDO is expected to yield a transformative technology that could significantly enhance the quality of life for patients with mobility limitations.

Timeline & Future Prospects

The development of the exoskeleton is currently in the early stages, with data collection being a primary focus. Dr Bhavuk Garg provided insights into the timeline, stating, "We are on the first page regarding this study, and data is being collected. It is expected that this technology will be completely ready in two-three years."

The collaborative efforts and funding support indicate a commitment to advancing the project efficiently.

As the project progresses, the anticipated benefits for patients facing mobility challenges, particularly injured soldiers, highlight the potential positive impact on their lives. The convergence of medical expertise and technological innovation holds promise for transforming healthcare and rehabilitation practices.

In another development, to combat the rising incidence of cancer in India, AIIMS Delhi partnered with the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Pune to introduce iOncology.ai, an AI-based platform aimed at enhancing cancer diagnosis.

The iOncology.ai platform promises early cancer detection, a critical factor in improving patient outcomes. This AI platform analyzes complex medical data with advanced accuracy and efficiency, significantly enhancing the chances of early cancer detection.