Researchers at the University of Michigan have received a $2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to advance the development of wearable knee exoskeleton technology aimed at reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis.
The project builds on earlier work in robotic exoskeletons designed for the knee, hip, and ankle, which have already demonstrated reductions in muscle effort during movement. Previous studies by the research team showed decreased physical strain across multiple joints, including reduced quadriceps effort and lower joint torque during assisted movement.
The new research focuses on understanding how exoskeleton assistance affects internal knee joint forces, particularly the bone-on-bone contact that contributes to osteoarthritis pain. By refining musculoskeletal models, the team aims to design control systems that reduce these joint forces more precisely, potentially offering a new approach to pain relief without surgery.
Led by robotics professor Robert Gregg, the project will use advanced “energy shaping” control algorithms that predict and respond to user movement in real time. This method is intended to improve on earlier systems by optimizing assistance based on motion physics rather than predefined activity patterns.
The exoskeleton design will incorporate lightweight, high-torque “pancake” motors that provide smooth and nearly silent operation, making them more suitable for everyday use compared to earlier, noisier gear-based systems.
The research will also include clinical trials involving participants with knee osteoarthritis. These trials will evaluate whether the technology can reduce pain, improve mobility, and potentially increase long-term physical activity levels. Medical experts will assess both biomechanical outcomes and patient-reported pain reduction.
Researchers hope that future versions of the technology could be used outside the lab, allowing patients to use wearable exoskeletons in daily life. Such advancements could help delay or reduce the need for joint replacement surgery while improving quality of life for individuals with chronic knee pain.
The study represents a broader shift toward combining robotics, biomechanics, and clinical medicine to develop assistive technologies that directly address degenerative joint conditions.
