A method for obtaining an assist torque to be applied to a human joint, in
a human assist system for applying an assist torque to the human joint to
reduce load of muscles, and the human assist system are provided. The
method comprises the step of obtaining a moment due to gravity, acting on
a joint of each human segment, based on equations of force and moment
balance on each segment. The method further comprises the step of
obtaining an assist torque to be applied to the joint to compensate for
the moment due to gravity, acting on the joint. The human assist system
comprises a motor for delivering an assist torque to a joint and a motor
driver for driving control of the motor. The system further comprises a
controller for determining a desired value of an assist torque,
comprising a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to
obtain a moment due to gravity, acting on a joint of each human segment,
based on equations of force and moment balance on each segment and then
to obtain an assist torque to be delivered to the joint to compensate for
the moment due to gravitational acceleration at the joint.The method
provides a natural subdivision between the voluntary actuators which are
responsible for forward progression of motion and the assist actuators
which are responsible for preserving static equilibrium. This subdivision
may mitigate the interference between voluntary control and artificial
control.