Exoskeleton Lab
Start collecting data right out of the box with this versatile research facility that allows you to study sensory, motor and cognitive function.
A complete research lab designed by neuroscientists for neuroscientists, the Kinarm Exoskeleton Lab offers the broadest range of hand and joint-based kinesiological information.
Features
- Redesigned in 2016 to enhance stiffness and enable full access to the head for TMS and other neuro-stimulation techniques.
- Broadest range of hand and joint-based kinesiological information.
- Two-dimensional paradigm provides a balance between behavioural complexity and measurement simplicity.
- A complete research lab that allows you to start collecting data right out of the box.
- Easy to use and powerful.
- Allows the researcher to study both arms simultaneously.
Specifications & Information Sheets
System Specifications
- One or two motorized Kinarm™ Exoskeleton robots for simultaneous right and left-handed investigation; unilateral robot optional.
- Workstation and visual display for presentation of 2D virtual targets in the actual plane of limb motion.
- System-integrated chair with wheelchair-style seating (including removable foot, arm and head rests).
- Dexterit-E data acquisition and experimental control software.
- A library of Simulink® blocks to assist with rapid custom task program creation (MATLAB®, and Simulink® and other MathWorks’ toolboxes must be purchased separately).
- Control hardware to run Dexterit-E (including a real-time computer for precise and safe action).
- Data acquisition hardware, optionally including up to 32 channels of analog input, 4 channels of analog output and 30 channels of digital input/output.
Optional:
- 120 Hz CRT-like LED display with no internal delays manufactured by VPixx, who provide outstanding displays to visual scientists.
- Child-size arm troughs.
- Subject Harness, for clinical researchers working with stroke subjects to keep them in a comfortable posture.
Subject sizes:
- range of body sizes and weights covering the 5th-95th percentile of the general population from 5 years old (with optional child-size arm troughs) and adults up to approximately 198 cm height
- Maximum subject weight: 182 kg
Robot Specifications
- Real-time control of experiment at 4 kHz; data acquisition at 1kHz.
- Maximum continuous joint torque 5.1 Nm.
- Maximum intermittent (<5 s duration) joint torque: 15.3 Nm.
- Feedback resolution of 0.0006° (deg) (~4 microns).
- Vertical out-of-plane stiffness of 8,500 N/m; end-point in-plane mechanical stiffness of 16,400 N/m.
Infrastructure Needs
- 12ft (3.5 m) X 12ft (3.5 m) for clinical researchers (for ease of use with wheelchairs); 10ft (3 m) X 10ft (3 m) for basic researchers.
- A desk/table at least 36in (90cm) long or 48in (120cm) long if a Kinarm Gaze-Tracker is selected
- Electrical requirements: one 20 A, 110-120 VAC, 50/60 Hz circuit with 2 outlets (NEMA 5-20R).
- For North America: a surge protector is provided for each of the computers, gaze and AHC Lift assemblies.
- For Europe: one 10 A, 220-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz circuit with 2 outlets
- For Japan: one 20 A, 100 VAC, 50/60 Hz circuit with 2 outlets (NEMA 5-20R).
- An Ethernet port to the external internet is recommended to enable on-line support and software upgrades. The Kinarm Lab does not require an internet connection for its function.
- For ease of rollability of the Exoskeleton chair, a tiled or smooth floor with minimal compression (i.e. hard) is preferred.
- MATLAB® and Simulink® toolboxes purchased separately to enable custom Task Program development.
Documents
Summarizing key features and specifications of the re-designed Kinarm Exoskeleton Lab released in 2016.
Last Updated: October 30, 2019
254.60 KB
A brochure summarizing how Kinarm experiments, measures, collaborates and trains.
A web-based version of our ‘tri-fold’ brochure.
Last Updated: October 30, 2019
1.14 MB
If you’re preparing a grant for purchasing a Kinarm, you may find this document helpful. We’ve documented our passion, the history of Kinarm and all of the features we developed to ensure a single Kinarm lab can be used by many.
Last Updated: October 30, 2019
930.05 KB
Options
Suite of standardized protocols to provide a broad-based brain function assessment in under an hour. (Limitation: for research use only)
A head-free gaze-tracker solution that simplifies experimental set-up and ensuring nothing interferes with the natural behaviour.
Best Used by
Basic Researchers
Essential instrumentation to researchers studying sensorimotor control in NHP and human subjects, but also to researchers studying neurological dysfunction.
Clinical Researchers
Particularly suitable for subjects with stroke, spinal cord injury or cerebral palsy as the Exoskeleton design provides gravity support of the subject’s upper limb.
