This is Project MARCH, the development of an exoskeleton
Project MARCH is a project in which TU Delft students are taking a gap year to work on the development of an exoskeleton. That’s a robotic suit that helps people with spinal cord injuries walk again. MARCH stands for “Motor-Assisted Robotic Chassis for Humans. The project has been running since 2015, as each year a different group of students takes over and works on a new prototype of the exoskeleton. They volunteer their time to do this for a year.
MARCH VI
Last year, we at Faes were approached by students working on the seventh generation exoskeleton – MARCH VII – asking if we would help them develop custom packaging to safely transport the ultra-sensitive skeleton from A to B. Iza Bosch and Inge Bosch talk about project MARCH and the collaboration with Faes.
Iza just completed her Bachelor of Industrial Design and is a Design Engineer. Inge completed her Bachelor of Clinical Engineering and is Partnerships Coordinator. They put the start of their master’s studies on hold for a while in order to work together with one of those 20 other students to work on MARCH VII.
Iza Bosch and Inge Bosch tell...
Inge: “The essence of Project MARCH is that students from all kinds of disciplines are given free rein to explore what is technologically possible. We build on the previous prototype exoskeleton and the knowledge gained by the previous group, but each subsequent group is again given the freedom to focus on what they think is important.”
Iza: “Of course, we do try to bring technology to everyday use as much as possible. For example, our focus this year was mainly on software improvements and dynamic walking. For example, that the exoskeleton itself detects stairs or curbs and instructs the suit to adjust the step accordingly. Another user improvement is balance. The ‘pilot’ (who operates the suit) still needs two crutches now, but we want to move toward a situation where soon you will have your hands free to lift something, for example.”
Inge: “In addition, we focused on modifying the linear joints and the motors that control the legs of the skeleton. This makes the ‘hip and ankle’ more robust, reliable and controllable.”
The 'bionic Olympics'
Iza: “The first prototypes have participated to the Cybathlon, a competition between people with physical disabilities using technology – such as an exoskeleton – compete against each other. They are also called the ‘bionic Olympics’ called. An updated version is being worked on this year because the technology is so fast by develops that there is a need for more interesting, up-to-date obstacles. Each year a Cybathlon Experience will take place – a preview – but the real edition will be in Zurich in 2024. There, the project MARCH will also be there.”
The exoskeleton is loose and yet safe in the flight case
Inge: “Faes has helped us with a flight case before, so we had approached them again this time. We often train at external locations and regularly visit trade fairs with the exoskeleton. Therefore, first of all, it was important that the packaging be easy and safe to transport. With handles in the right places and the ability to attach the flight case to the bus.”
Iza: “The exoskeleton also had to fit nicely in the case and preferably not tied up. The skeleton is very sensitive-if you strap it in then the 3D printed hoods of the exterior could bend or damage the electronics. So it was important that the skeleton fit in loose perfectly in “sitting position,” so that it does not move. Another crucial point was that the exoskeleton must remain dust-free.”
Inge: “The cooperation with Faes went very well and smoothly. The advantage was that we could use the packaging designs from previous versions as a starting point. They turned existing designs into a new design based on our changes and points of improvement.”
Iza: “In addition, we have quite a few tools such as mechanical tools and software-related parts that needed a place in the flight case. Therefore, flaps were created under the ‘seat’ of the exoskeleton to give access to the storage area, which is equipped with removable plastic bins.”
Where will Project MARCH go in the future?
Inge: “We are exploring the possibilities of EEG – reading brain functions and turning them into action. That means that when you think about lifting your right leg, that the exoskeleton actually lifts the right leg and that as soon as you think about stopping walking, the suit will automatically come to a stop. That technology is already being used for hand prosthetics, but we are the first to try this with an exoskeleton.”
Iza: “Of course, it is up to the next group of students to decide what they will investigate and how they will shape MARCH VIII, but we do pass on our knowledge and make recommendations. In terms of skeletal balance, there is still a lot of work to be done, so this would be a logical continuation as far as we are concerned.”