# Calf Muscle-Relieving Exoskeletons This Unpowered Ankle Exoskeleton Improves Walking Efficiency By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-04-02 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ankle-exoskeleton References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/unpowered-ankle-exoskeleton-walking-efficiency/36847/) & [nsf.gov](http://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=134667) Researchers at [Carnegie Mellon University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quadruped-robots) and [North Carolina State University](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selfhealing-frp-composite) have developed an unpowered ankle exoskeleton that makes walking more efficient by taking a load off the calf muscles. This device reduces the metabolic cost of walking by around 7%, which is equivalent to taking off a 10 pound backpack. What's interesting about this device is that it doesn't use batteries, electricity or other energy, yet offers energy savings similar to [electrically powered exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/exoskeleton-technology). While the human body is already a pretty efficient creation, figuring out ways to improve performance while minimizing energy expenditure and effort could have a lot of implications for a lot of sectors including healthcare, industrial labor and military. The light weight of the device and the relatively low cost of producing it makes it even more promising. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 74% | Activity: 61% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Unpowered Exoskeletons:** Developing exoskeletons that do not rely on batteries or electricity opens up new possibilities for energy-efficient augmentation. - **Efficient Mobility Aids:** Creating innovative mobility aids that reduce the metabolic costs of walking can benefit healthcare, athletics, and everyday life. - **Lightweight Ergonomic Devices:** Creating ergonomic devices that do not add substantial weight can impact labor and military industries positively. ### Who This Affects Most - **Healthcare:** Developing lightweight and energy-efficient mobility aids can improve patient health outcomes and overall quality of life. - **Industrial Labor:** Creating ergonomic devices that reduce physical strain can lead to improved work efficiency and reduced occupational injuries. - **Military:** Developing mobility aids that enhance soldier mobility in adverse environments can lead to better performance and mission success. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Assistive Upper-Body Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/upperbody-exoskeleton.md) - [Physical Augmentation Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dnsys-x1-exoskeleton.md) - [Modular Customization Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modular-exoskeleton.md) - [Advanced Knee Joint Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/knee-joint-exoskeleton.md) - [Load-Relieving Armored Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/armored-exoskeleton.md) - [AI-Powered Outdoor Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hypershell-x-ultra.md) - [Consumer-Ready Exoskeletons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enhanced-robotics-sportsmate5.md) - [Stride-Assisting Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/evolve-mvmt.md) - [Robotic Brace Walking Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-project-amplify.md)