The present invention relates to the field of wearable robotic devices that physically interact with humans, and in particular refers to a wearable exoskeleton, in particular for the upper limb. The invention refers to an electro- or magneto-rheological fluid type semi-active joint purposely conceived to be used to make the exoskeleton. It comprises a first body and a second body, slidably coupled to each other, with a flow mode rotating configuration, which allows to have a fluid flow moved by a pressure gradient induced by the circular movement of a piston in a chamber, with constructive simplicity and decrease of wear.

An exercise device includes a foot support portion pivotably connected to a leg support portion and having a neutral position relative to a pivot axis. The support portion is configured to rotate about the neutral pivot axis in a first direction away from the neutral position and in a second direction away from the neutral position. The second direction is opposite the first direction. The exercise device also includes a resistance mechanism configured to exert a force on the foot support portion about the pivot axis opposite to the respective first and second directions of rotation of the foot support portion about the pivot axis.

A wearable device such as a garment is disclosed, having at least one sensor, for sensing a parameter. Electronics are provided for processing the sensed parameter, and for providing feedback. Feedback may be in the form of proprioceptive tactile or audible feedback, or in the form of an adjustment of a performance parameter of the wearable device. In one implementation, the processor is configured to activate an effector to provide feedback to the wearer to make a body position correction to bring the position into alignment with predetermined body position reference data.

Training equipment is configured for targeted muscle actuation. The training equipment contains a muscle-powered actuating element and a damping system having two components that can move in relation to one another. One of the components is operatively connected to the actuating element, such that a movement of the actuating element can be damped. A field-sensitive rheological medium and a field generation system are associated with the damping system, in order to generate and control the field strength. A damping characteristic can be influenced by the field generation system. A control system is suited and configured to control the field generation system in a targeted manner in accordance with a training parameter, such that the movement of the actuating element can be damped taking into account the training parameter.

A vehicle seat assembly includes a seat base, a seat back rotatably connected to the seat base, a seat bottom mounted on the seat base, and at least one of the following mounted to one of the seat base, seat back, and seat bottom: a resistance mechanism structured to exert a biasing force on at least one exercise arm operatively connected to the resistance mechanism; a bicycle seat receptacle structured for detachably mounting a bicycle seat to the seat base; and a docking mechanism structured for detachably mounting a pedal mechanism to the seat base.

A resistance device applied to relative rotations between a flywheel and an axis includes an inner stator, an outer rotor, a conductive wire and a magneto-rheological fluid. The inner stator is fixedly joined with the axis and includes an accommodating space surrounding the axis at a position away from the axis. The outer rotor, fixedly joined with the flywheel, encloses and rotates relative to the inner stator. An accommodating gap is formed between the outer rotor and the inner stator at a position away from the axis. The conductive wire is wound in the accommodating space, and generates a magnetic line passing the accommodating gap when applied by an electric current. The magneto-rheological fluid is filled in the accommodating gap. Thus, the outer rotor is disposed at the outer most region of the resistance device to increase the braking torque, and the magneto-rheological fluid is away from the axis to increase the braking moment.

An arm muscular strength training and rehabilitation apparatus has a body, an angle meter, a handle, a force sensing device and a main control unit. The body has a housing and a variable resistance device. The variable resistance device is disposed in the housing. The angle meter is disposed on the variable resistance device. The handle is disposed pivotally on the variable resistance device and has a suspension arm and a handlebar bracket. The force sensing device is disposed on handlebar bracket of the handle. The main control unit connects electrically to the variable resistance device, the angle meter and the force sensing device to receive the angle signal and the force sensing signal and controls resistance of the variable resistance device according to the angle signal and the force sensing signal. The apparatus disposing the force sensing device on the handle prevents measuring time lag and increase measuring precision.

A system for assisting a user in strength training with a strength training device comprises a torque source. One or more magnetorheological (MR) fluid clutch apparatuses has an input coupled to torque source to receive torque from the torque source, the MR fluid clutch apparatus controllable to transmit a variable amount of torque via an output thereof. A modulation inter face couples the output of the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus to a force transmission of the training device. One or more sensors provide information indicative of a training action by the user. A training processor comprises a training effort calculator module for receiving the information indicative of the training action and for characterizing the training action, a training assistance controller module for determining a level of force assistance from the characterizing of the training action, and an assistance generator module for controlling the at least one MR fluid clutch apparatus in exerting the force assistance at said level on the force transmission of the training device to assist the user in the training action. A method for assisting a user in strength training with a MR fluid clutch apparatus is also provided.

Disclosed is a muscle toning garment with resistance elements, which may be fluid filled dampers. The garment provides resistance to movement throughout an angular range of motion. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath conventional clothing. Toning may thereby be accomplished throughout the wearer's normal daily activities, without the need for access to conventional exercise equipment. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training techniques. Sensors may be provided for sensing any of a variety of biometric parameters and for determining exerted power or calories consumed.

Disclosed is a technical training garment configured for use with modular, interchangeable electronics and resistance modules. The garment provides resistance to movement throughout an angular range of motion and tracks biomechanical parameters such as stride length, stride rate, angular velocity and incremental power expended by the wearer. The garment may be low profile, and worn by a wearer as a primary garment or beneath or over conventional clothing. Alternatively, the device may be worn as a supplemental training tool during conventional training protocols.