Recent Bezalel Academy of Art and Design (Israel) graduate Vlady Spetkovsky's Wearable Power Suit is a design concept based on future prospects of biological hardware, taking inspiration from sci-fi tech and mecha flicks such as "2001: A Space Odyssey," "Blade Runner," and "Ghost in the Shell." His video presentation breaks down all of the WPA's components.
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I made too early conclusion based on small images on core77.com but as you look my image number one you realize similarities of our designs. I think the major difference of our designs is that I incorporated torso actuators on back of the torso and you to front. I was not able to see the video because of internet access control.
I admit I was wrong in my judgement- you went through exaxtly same process as I studying biodynamics of human motion. I am impressed by your process and conclusions and I see your work as excellent piece of design and excellent final project.
So I deeply apologize for my wrong judgement based on one single image. I am sorry for any inconvenience I caused. I attach here URL to images of my final rca project 2004 unfortunately I am not able to attach my exoskeleton video I can email it to you later. I also attach here my project description for your interest in matter.
I hope you can forgive me.
Yours truly,
Jussi Timonen
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k297/uc33/exo/1.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k297/uc33/exo/2.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k297/uc33/exo/3.jpg
http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k297/uc33/exo/4.jpg
Here is my project description of Excess - electro active polymer actuators assisted full body exoskeleton
This project is the natural conclusion of my dissertation “immersion†where I researched the immersion of technology through concepts of immateriality and invisibility.
I wanted to explore how the embodiment of vehicle interface could create a vehicle you wear rather than operate.
Excess works as body amplifier making the basic unit of mobility -human body, working as highly efficient ecological vehicle.
Body amplifying, exoskeleton is a suggestion for improving human biomechanics with true human interface. Applications of exoskeleton could be realized within ten years. First applications of amplified exoskeleton could be for people with muscular disabilities or weakness including elderly people and people with physical limitations due to sicknesses or injuries. Later possibilities include applications for totally or partially paralyzed people through neural bypass controls with electrodes implanted in the cerebral cortex which would control the exoskeleton to match our normal movements.
Exoskeletons joints include altogether 21 actuators, which are based on artificial muscles (electro active polymers) expanding and contracting. Artificial muscles are made of material called polypyrrole, which generates and conducts electricity. The Excess is a vehicle you won't need to "operate"; it simply increases human performance in walking, running, jumping, carrying etc. by 1.added force and motion 2.energy storage, management, and recovery. The controls are based on our muscle activity. Wearing exoskeleton assists body muscles and increases walking or running speed and distances. It also improves significantly our carrying capability and ability to lift heavy loads. Batteries are based on lithium-polymer technology and they are laminated to external "bone" structure of exoskeleton.
First of all, I really impressed by your talent. To my deep regret I cannot see all pictures of your project because I don’t have a membership at cardesignnews dot com. From a few pictures that I could see I must agree your project dealing with exoskeleton theme, and with outstanding elegant design. Regretfully I can not find what exactly you feel been ripped from your project and design. In spirit of friendship and mutual understanding can provide more snaps of the model to you by mail. As my friend said don’t rush with wrong conclusion.
For all of you I post a link with almost all steps of my basic design
http://four.fsphost.com/osolution/
I find it very hard to believe that vlady has knowingly copied your work. this is for a number of reasons, the first being that I know the guy - I seriously doubt he would have knowingly done such a thing. I seriously doubt that he even knew of your project.
the second reason is that the exo-scallaton concept - sort of dictates a sort of design and presentation that both you and vlady chose to adopt. it is a series of modules and shells placed on an anatomic model.
untill this point very few people have tried to deal with the challange of designing an exo-scelaton - and the result is that one sort of looks like the other. I seriously doubt that there was any foul play involved here.
relax.
wow, I cant believe a site like core77 will put up something that was copied. The manakin and the exoskeleton are exactly the same. This is unacceptable.
I find this really insane, a total rip off copy of my Royal College of Art final project and even badly executed. I suppose it is even done over my original graphics. Vlady Spetkovsky should look at the mirror and feel really shamed. If this is college project I will contact Bezalel Academy of Design.
Yours sincerely,
Jussi Timonen (MA RCA, 2004)
Creative Designer,
General Motors Advanced Design California.
My original work was published in some magazines in Europe and Asia and at least here on cardesignnews.com
http://archive.cardesignnews.com/features/2004/041005rca-show/index.php
and more images on different pages of gallery...
http://archive.cardesignnews.com/features/2004/041005rca-show/gallery/index12.html