Since the first prototype (~ early 2014) was made to verify the hypothesis that external abdominal compression can assist human respiratory functions, the system has been developed to cover more diverse user groups. The size and volume were reduced to grant more mobility of its users while maintaining its mechatronic performances.

In order to assist various human respiratory functions (0.3 Hz ~ 3 Hz), the electromagnetic system should be able to generate repetitive impulse-like actuation. Owing to a simulation-based electromagnetic performance estimation protocol, an optimal combination of mechatronic components could be achieved after reduced numbers of trials.

30+ cases of in-depth & one-on-one interviews were conducted, and 5+ IRBs were proceeded.

Based on fluid dynamics and pulmonary biomechanics, the customized sensors and their combination were proposed to optimally compromise between usability and accuracy.

The developed sensor system was validated with medical-grade instruments. Especially, a hand-held sonograph was adopted to verify the phase-sensitiveness and precision of the Exo-Abs sensor system by spontaneously measuring the lung volume.

Until now, there were few studies that tried to analyze the human respiratory system subject to external abdominal compression. The overall model was reconstructed, and real-time sequential system identification process was proposed for the control of Exo-Abs.

Prof. Jin-Oh Hahn (the university of Maryland) advised me significantly in this process.

Based on the proposed model, various respiratory functions of a typical user could be simulated via SIMULINK/MATLAB.

For practicality, a reactive model-based impedance control was designed to provide assistance in an explainable manner.

Based on the proposed model, various respiratory functions of a typical user could be simulated via SIMULINK/MATLAB.