Exploring Wearable Robotics: Attachment Methods and Comfort Considerations

2024-04-18 | By Jorvon Moss

Making a robot is already tough, and making it wearable is even harder, so here are the three main ways I have learned to wear my robotics.

Exploring Wearable Robotics Attachment Methods and Comfort Considerations

GoPro Strap: If you do not know, a GoPro strap is a harness used to hold the GoPro when you're out hiking, climbing, or doing anything active. Thanks to that, the strap is designed to remain still and hold camera equipment comfortably, which makes it perfect for your wearable robot. A GoPro strap is the easiest way to make your robots wearable, just like a camera, and works extremely well.

Exploring Wearable Robotics Attachment Methods and Comfort Considerations

I've used it multiple times for many of my projects. The pro of it is that it works. There's no easier harness you can get that you can easily attach a robot to. All you would need is to 3D print or even purchase an extra camera hook and attach it to your robot. The con is that depending on the weight and design of your robot, it can get very uncomfortable, and it will always lean 35 degrees to the side, causing it to constantly need adjusting. I recommend using a GoPro strap if you're just getting started and if your robot is between 1 and 6 inches in height and length.

Exploring Wearable Robotics Attachment Methods and Comfort Considerations

Backpack Strap: If robots are a bit bigger than that, I want to say around 7 to 10 inches, which is a pretty big robot, you may want to do the backpack strap. The backpack strap is when you take a GoPro strap harness and attach it to your backpack, and then your robot sits right behind you on your back. The pro of this is that, unlike the GoPro strap, if you get tired of wearing your robot, you can just put it in your backpack, and it's extremely comfortable. The con to this is that you're wearing your backpack all the time, and after a while, it can get uncomfortable.

Exploring Wearable Robotics Attachment Methods and Comfort Considerations

Magnets: The last one is magnets, which is a brand new one that I'm still playing around with myself, so the pro of this is that it definitely works. It holds on to me, and I am very comfortable wearing it and I don't have to wear a backpack for it. I just have to make sure I have something under my shirt to help hold the robot down. The bad part about this is that I have to use industrial magnets, and they can become very dangerous. I have pinched myself a few times already and have accidentally left some very serious scars, so I recommend that you be very careful when using industrial magnets for this to work, because if not you will definitely hurt yourself.

Exploring Wearable Robotics Attachment Methods and Comfort Considerations