Credit: Gizmodo
Not quite 100% efficient, the human gait. This boot captures back 7%. Not impressed? Every little bit helps.
http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2015/04/this-exoskeleton-boot-saves-energy-in-an-ingenious-way/ / millions of years of evolution your feet not perfectly energy efficient exoskeletons exoskeletons researchers created a new boot unlike other exoskeletons makes walking more efficient without extra battery power source boot contraption reduces energy walk by about 7 per cent without a bulky battery pack power works differently from exoskeletons give you superhuman strength total energy expenditure is the same finding tiny inefficiencies correcting them human walking, optimised inefficiency muscles use energy even when they’re locked mechanical clutch Davide Castelvecchi Nature research exoskeleton structures lightweight carbon-based materials spring connects back of the foot just below the back of the knee attaches with a mechanical clutch Achilles tendon stretched clutch is engaged spring additional tendon stretches store energy standing leg pushes down push unleashing elastic energy clutch releases absorbs slack in the spring next cycle video sound like a robot squeaking through the woods researcher refine the boot energy gains regardless of speed and terrain squeakiness /
