Advanced Platform Technology Center
Neuromechanical Gait Assist Laboratory
The Neuromechanical Gait Assist Laboratory (NmGAL), directed by APT Investigator Nathan Makowski, occupies approximately 450 square feet at the Cleveland VA Medical Center and is dedicated to the development and bench testing of neuromechanical systems, namely hybrid neuroprostheses that combine lower extremity orthoses with electrical stimulation technology, in order to restore and assist gait for people with paralysis from neurological disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke and multiple sclerosis. The laboratory has a custom Matlab (Mathworks, Inc.) xPC Host-Target real-time control setup capable of acquiring a variety of sensor signals and controlling the hybrid neuroprosthesis for preliminary bench testing of novel control systems. There is a MicroScribe G2X 3D digitizer (RevWare) capable of acquiring the physical characteristics of 3D objects, such as orthoses, and accurately translates these objects into 3D models or vector-based data that can be utilized or modified in computer-aided design software. The NmGAL also contains a workbench, electronic supplies and equipment, a variety of orthoses, and tools for constructing mechanical and/or electronic mechanisms as a part of designs and research for neuromechanical systems. The NmGAL also houses two ReWalk Exoskeletons for testing purposes.
