Abstract
Recently, the rapid aging is a serious concern in Japan, and the lack of caretaker is anticipated in the future. When flexing shoulder and elbow is difficult, it prevents someone from performing daily activities. Therefore developing a device to realize an independent daily life of caretaker required and people with disabilities and reduce the burden caretaker is expected. To perform daily activities with wearing this device wearability and lightweight is important. So, there are many studies about support devices with pneumatic actuator. In this study, a wearable power assist device like clothes is developed to help caretaker required and people with disabilities flexing shoulder and elbow. This device is consisted of planer actuator and shoulder pad. In this paper, structure and characteristic of this device is described. Additionally, the effectiveness of this device is evaluated by wearing it.
