Dr. Mooney is an independent engineering consultant specializing in wearable robotics. Typical applications require high power actuators that can comfortably apply loads to the human body in an efficient and biomimetic manner. Luke received his PhD and Masters of Science in mechanical engineering from the Biomechatronics Group at MIT's Media Lab. His doctoral research focused on the design, development and testing of leg exoskeletons for human augmentation. Other projects include:
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Autonomous Powered Exoskeleton
I am working on the design, development and testing of a powered lower limb exoskeleton for my doctoral work. The aim of the autonomous powered leg exoskeleton is to reduce the energetic cost of walking. The autonomous battery powered exoskeleton is capable of providing substantial levels of positive mechanical power to the ankle during the push-off region of stance phase.
The metabolic energy consumption of seven study participants (85 ± 12 kg body mass) was measured while walking on a level treadmill at 1.4 m/s. Testing conditions included not wearing the exoskeleton and wearing the exoskeleton, in both powered and unpowered modes. When averaged across the gait cycle, the autonomous exoskeleton applied a mean positive mechanical power of 26 ± 1 W (13 W per ankle) with 2.12 kg of added exoskeletal foot-shank mass (1.06 kg per leg). Use of the leg exoskeleton significantly reduced the metabolic cost of walking by 35 ± 13 W, which was an improvement of 10 ± 3% (p = 0.023) relative to the control condition of not wearing the exoskeleton.
We also measured the metabolic energy consumption of seven subjects walking on a level treadmill at 1.5 m/s, while wearing a 23 kg vest. During the push-off portion of the stance phase, the exoskeleton applied positive mechanical power with an average across the gait cycle equal to 23 ± 2 W (11.5 W per ankle). Use of the autonomous leg exoskeleton significantly reduced the metabolic cost of walking by 36 ± 12 W, which was an improvement of 8 ± 3% (p = 0.025) relative to the control condition of not wearing the exoskeleton. In the design of leg exoskeletons, the results of this study highlight the importance of minimizing exoskeletal power dissipation and added limb mass, while providing substantial positive power during the walking gait cycle.
Actuator efficiency is an important factor in design of powered legged robots. My Master's thesis focused on the development and control of robotic actuators that utilize variable transmissions. I developed the continuously variable series-elastic actuator (CV-SEA) as an efficient actuator for legged locomotion. The CV-SEA implements a continuously variable transmission (CVT) between a motor and series elastic element. The CVT reduces the torque seen at the motor, allowing the motor to operate in speed regimes of higher efficiency, while the series-elastic element efficiently stores and releases mechanical energy, reducing motor work requirements for actuator applications where an elastic response is sought. Placing the CVT between the motor and transmission allows the device to be considerably lighter. I also looked at the optimization of energy-efficient control strategies for general actuators. A genetic algorithm was used to simultaneously optimize actuator parameters and control strategy, such as variable transmission profiles.
in a tuned series spring, while requiring only reactionary torque from the clutch. Thus, when the clutch is engaged, a tuned elastic relationship can be achieved with minimal electrical energy consumption. The series elasticity was optimized to fit the spring-like torque-angle relationship of early stance phase knee flexion and extension during level ground walking. In simulation, the CSEA knee required 70% less electrical energy than a traditional SEA. We implemented the CSEA into a powered knee prosthesis, pictured to the right. The electrically powered knee is an order of magnitude more efficient than previous powered knees.
The prosthetic ankle is comprised of a pneumatic piston, bending spring and solenoid valve. The pneumatic ankle prosthesis has been shown to provide biologically appropriate trends and magnitudes of torque, angle and stiffness behavior, when compared to the passive ESR prosthetic foot. Future work will focus on the development of a control system for the quasi-passive device and clinical testing of the pneumatic ankle to demonstrate efficacy.
Transfemoral amputees exhibit both increased metabolic consumption and gait asymmetry during level ground walking. As an undergraduate, I developed a variable damping control strategy for swing in order to improve gait symmetry and reduce energy expenditure during level ground walking. The control strategy was implemented on the AAAKP devleoped by Dr. Ernesto Martinez-Villalpando. The variable damping coefficients followed a piecewise function of angle and state, and allowed for natural swing dynamics while walking.
Since November 2010, I have grown out a mustache for the entire month of November. On team MassaSTACHEachusetss, I raise money with my fellow mustachianados for the Movember Foundation. The Movember Foundation's mission is to raise awareness and funds for men's health issues.