![](https://d3ilqtpdwi981i.cloudfront.net/nhxqynBRevP0om__R6HWeDPBjYs=/425x550/smart/https://bepress-attached-resources.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/1f/32/2b/1f322b1f-a4ff-4652-9ec2-3b228a6a7882/thumbnail_52c90571-6799-49bd-b7be-7433aabb760e.jpg)
Here we show that novel, energy-recycling stairs reduce the amount of work required for humans to both ascend and descend stairs. Our low-power, interactive, and modular steps can be placed on existing staircases, storing energy during stair descent and returning that energy to the user during stair ascent. Energy is recycled through event-triggered latching and unlatching of passive springs without the use of powered actuators. When ascending the energy-recycling stairs, naive users generated 17.4 ± 6.9% less positive work with their leading legs compared to conventional stairs, with the knee joint positive work reduced by 37.7 ± 10.5%. Users also generated 21.9 ± 17.8% less negative work with their trailing legs during stair descent, with ankle joint negative work reduced by 26.0 ± 15.9%. Our low-power energy-recycling stairs have the potential to assist people with mobility impairments during stair negotiation on existing staircases.
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/yun-seong-song/1/
This work was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Grant EFRI-1137229.