Platform Technology
Wearable-robot Standard Platform
Our laboratory utilizes a unified Wearable Robot Platform that integrates the essential hardware and
software technologies required for modern wearable robotics.
The platform is organized into two domains, hardware and software, and is designed to support
modularity, scalability, and consistency across diverse research and development activities.
Hardware: Distributed Control Architecture
The hardware domain adopts a distributed control architecture in which functions are divided across
multiple specialized modules. Each module provides a clearly defined role within the robotic system.
Sim-to-real Actuator Modules (SAM)
Mechanical actuation units equipped with backdrivable and low-impedance joint mechanisms.
These
modules generate the physical interaction forces required for assistance and are designed for high
responsiveness and transparency.
Motor Drivers (MD)
Embedded motor-control units that handle real-time current control, sensor acquisition, and
hardware-level protection.
MDs form the lowest layer of the control hierarchy and ensure stable torque
generation with deterministic timing.
Control Modules (CM)
Mid-level controllers responsible for executing validated control algorithms, managing the
distributed system, synchronizing modules, and supervising safety-critical behaviors. CMs maintain
the core operational logic of the wearable robot.
Application Modules (AM)
High-level coordination units that implement task-specific robot functions.
AMs interpret system
states, manage multi-joint behaviors, and configure robot operation according to the intended
application scenario.
Extension Modules (XM)
Flexible development modules that support rapid prototyping, sensor integration, external device
interfacing, and algorithm testing.
XMs enable researchers to deploy and evaluate new control
strategies without modifying safety-critical components.
Apparel Modules
Human-interfacing components including waist interfaces, back-support frames, and other adjustable
structures.
These modules are designed with a modular fitting mechanism to accommodate diverse
body shapes and ensure stable, comfortable attachment.
Software: Unified Control and Communication Structure and Data and AI Infrastructure
The software domain provides a standardized control framework and a data-centric computing environment that supports real-time operation and AI-enhanced analysis.
Unified Control and Communication Structure
A standardized FSM-based control architecture specifies operational states, transition logic, and reference generation across modules.
A CAN-based communication protocol enables high-speed and robust data exchange within the distributed control architecture.
Integrated real-time monitoring tools provide visibility into system variables, supporting debugging, parameter tuning, and clinical evaluation.
Data and AI Infrastructure
A unified data pipeline supports large-scale logging, structured dataset formatting, cloud connectivity, and AI-based model training.
This framework enables data-driven personalization, performance optimization, and long-term analysis of human–robot interaction.
Robots Built Upon Platform
Platform Vision
By combining a distributed hardware architecture with a unified software ecosystem, the Wearable Robot Platform enables rapid development, cross-system compatibility, and data-driven optimization. This platform supports the laboratory’s research in assistive, rehabilitative, and industrial wearable robotics while providing a scalable foundation for future expansion.