Case Study: University of Houston enables paraplegics to walk with Protolabs custom-machined exoskeleton parts

Custom-machined joints, brain-controlled exoskeleton combine to enable paraplegics to walk

The University of Houston research lab faced the challenge of rapidly developing a powered exoskeleton to help paraplegics walk again, with an ambitious deadline to compete in an international competition. Their goal required custom, high-strength hardware that most commercial exoskeleton makers were unwilling to open for their advanced brain-machine control interface. To meet their tight schedule, they turned to Protolabs for custom-machined aluminum parts.

Protolabs provided the university with critical, quick-turn custom-machined aluminum joint housings for the exoskeleton's six actuated joints. The extremely fast turnaround from Protolabs, with parts delivered in days instead of weeks, gave the research team invaluable additional time to test and refine their system. The high-quality, aircraft-grade aluminum parts performed well in rigorous testing, allowing the lab to progress toward its goal of creating a thought-controlled exoskeleton with significant potential social and health impacts for individuals with paralysis.

University of Houston

Jeffrey Gorges

Lead Research Technician