Rapid Rovers

Abstract

Urban mobility faces growing challenges due to increasing traffic congestion, sedentary lifestyles, air pollution, and overreliance on private vehicles. These issues degrade the quality of life, harm public health, and contribute to environmental decline. While wearable mobility-assist systems have demonstrated potential in enhancing walking efficiency, many rely on expensive, bulky hardware and complex autonomous controls, leading to discomfort, fatigue, and limited real-world usability. To address these limitations, this project introduces a lightweight, cost-effective wearable mobility-assist system with real-time motor control via a handheld remote. The system integrates a compact motor, an ergonomic mechanical support structure, and an efficient power management system, prioritizing reduced weight and size without compromising strength or performance. Additionally, the system employs low-cost IMU-based gait analysis (utilizing sensors such as the MPU6050, at a fraction of the cost of traditional force plates) to provide adaptive assistance tailored to the user’s movement patterns. A rechargeable battery ensures extended daily use, making the system practical for elderly support, rehabilitation, and sustainable urban commuting. By combining modular design, user-controlled operation, and embedded gait analysis, this approach enhances accessibility, comfort, and energy efficiency—key factors for widespread adoption in dynamic urban environments.