Wilkes University Student in College of Science and Engineering, Nathan Barnhart of Hanover, Pa., 17331 Presents Senior Project

2018 May 9

Wilkes University mechanical engineering student, Nathan Barnhart of Hanover, Pa., 17331, presented a senior project on April 28. The event was attended by faculty, friends and family. Engineering students in the University's College of Science and Engineering are required to complete a senior project as part of the requirements to complete their degrees.

Barnhart's project was entitled, "Auxilium." Thousands of patients suffer from partial lower limb impairment as a result of cerebral palsy, stroke, injury, and numerous other disorders. In the absence of this design, many of these potential users would be bound to wheelchairs and could suffer from joint tightness, decreasing flexibility, weakened muscles, and countless health problems. The Auxilium solution is a sensor driven assistive external walking suit powered by batteries in a backpack. This design is similar to others on the market for paraplegic patients but instead is driven by sensors in the lower limbs and is tailored to the partially disabled. The design is lighter and more affordable than others on the market due to its decreased requirements (i.e. assisting rather than fully supporting the user). Barnhart worked with faculty advisor Yong Zhu, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.