Student Startup winner working on exoskeleton chair

Malika Yunusova, a sixth-year student at the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, is developing an exoskeleton chair to support the lower body and facilitate work in various positions.

The exoskeleton Ms Yunusova presented is designed to support the lower body and help reduce muscle strain during prolonged periods of standing, bending, and squatting.

“Many people have to stand for long periods of time due to their jobs, and they complain of fatigue, heaviness in their legs, and back pain. This is how the idea came about: creating something that would facilitate work in static positions without restricting movement,” shares Malika Yunusova.

The device is designed to provide comfortable support to the user, thereby reducing fatigue and the risk of developing occupational musculoskeletal disorders in people whose jobs require prolonged static postures, such as surgeons and assembly line workers.

“Our implementation plans include creating a functional kinematic diagram of the exoskeleton chair, developing an electronic mockup with ergonomics in mind, creating design documentation for the prototype, and creating components for subsequent assembly. And, of course, testing the device,” Yunusova explains about her future plans.

The exoskeleton consists of a lightweight frame, a pneumatic spring for smooth transitions between postures, and lumbar and hip braces. It can be combined and worn with any type of clothing and footwear.