Exoskeleton Simulates Microgravity for Fine Motor Skill Training in Weightlessness (heise.de)

• DFKI and UDE developed an exoskeleton to simulate microgravity for fine motor training.
• The device uses AI-controlled force compensation to mimic weightlessness.
• A parabolic flight campaign with 180 weightless episodes tested the training effect against a control group.
• Data analysis is ongoing; preliminary results indicate potential benefits.

"Researchers from DFKI and UDE have developed an exoskeleton that simulates microgravity conditions on Earth, allowing astronauts to practice fine motor tasks before space missions. The device compensates arm weight using AI-controlled support. A test campaign during the 46th DLR parabolic flight campaign captured data from 180 parabolas. Preliminary results suggest a training effect, but full data analysis is pending."