Canine Exoskeleton
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Uziel Beltran, Victoria Entwistle, Julia Moreno, Zaqueo Carchi Easterly, Joseph Muhlenhaupt, Braedon McGuire, William O'Brien
Presenter(s): Uziel Beltran
Mentors(s): Anura Jayasumana
The Canine Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation is a mechatronic system designed to assist dogs with limited hindlimb motor function by providing controlled, repeatable hindlimb motion. Developed in collaboration with the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the device integrates actuators, sensors, and control software to guide canine gait in a clinical setting. The current design builds on prior generations by improving safety mechanisms, refining actuation and control strategies, and enhancing comfort and adjustability across different canine anatomies. The project emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration between engineers and veterinary professionals to ensure that the system operates safely, effectively, and ethically during rehabilitation testing. Degenerative neurological and orthopedic conditions can significantly reduce mobility and quality of life for dogs, often leaving owners with limited rehabilitative options. Existing solutions, such as carts or manual therapy, do not actively restore natural gait patterns and can place strain on both animals and clinicians. This project addresses a critical gap in veterinary rehabilitation by developing a controlled, assistive exoskeleton that prioritizes safety, repeatability, and clinical usability to improve outcomes for canine patients while advancing ethical biomedical engineering practice.