Hugo De Marez

The master's thesis by Hugo De Marez aimed to determine if an electromagnetic linear actuator could be a viable solution for arm orthoses to help individuals with muscular disabilities regain arm mobility. A custom actuator, inspired by muscle function, was developed and tested within an arm orthosis designed for elbow movement. The tests showed promising results in terms of force to weight ratio, but the force to stroke ratio and current consumption were not satisfactory. Additionally, the actuator overheated quickly, posing safety risks like skin burns. While improvements have been suggested, further research is needed to confirm its viability, and it is currently unsuitable for patient use due to overheating issues.