k wrote:
It was the poor power-to-weight ratio of batteries that drove Goldfarb to look for alternatives in 2000 while he was working on a previous exoskeleton project for DARPA.
...
Goldfarb’s power source is about the size of a pencil and contains a special catalyst that causes hydrogen peroxide to burn. When this compound burns, it produces pure steam. The steam is used to open and close a series of valves. The valves are connected to the spring-loaded joints of the prosthesis by belts made of a special monofilament used in appliance handles and aircraft parts. A small sealed canister of hydrogen peroxide that easily fits in the upper arm can provide enough energy to power the device for 18 hours of normal activity.
Awesome... not sure how commercially viable, given the manufacturing tolerances required and so forth, but extremely cool nonetheless...
Go Vandy!
