This paper describes the development of a power assistive device controller with user intention detection for fire fighters. In order to detect the intention of users, an F/T sensor frame was designed for the power assistive device controller. Using the numerical approach, each directional strain value of the F/T sensor frame was evaluated singly to determine the optimum point to mount the strain gauge under varying load conditions. The numerical analysis was conducted using the commercial program Ansys v11.0. The finite element model for the F/T sensor frame consisted of 37,547 elements and 157,154 nodes. A sensor bonding device and calibration jig were designed for the F/T sensor frame. In an effort to obtain the decoupling matrix for the F/T sensor frame of the proposed power assist device, calibration tests were conducted in the x-direction, y-direction, z-direction, My-direction and Mz-direction. In addition, the operating system was tested using the power assistive device controller that comprised of the F/T sensor frame.

In this paper, we examine the exoskeleton robot which can support the muscular strength of the soldiers handling the front load and its applicability in the military field. In fact, in the questionnaire survey on the military applicability of exoskeleton robots, many soldiers reported that they felt immensely fatigued due to the heavy load on their back during the operation. Most of the exoskeleton robots in the military have been developed to reduce fatigue during the mobility and movement of soldiers. Research on the exoskeleton robots to support the waist has been carried out with emphasis on its role in assisting performance of repetitive work in the industrial field or the medical field. To examine the studies on conventional back support exoskeleton robots and to find out the functions required to apply a back-support exoskeleton robot to soldiers, we have classified the existing back support exoskeleton robots into power type, supported body, waterproof grades, and others based on weight, purpose, working time, etc. Apparently, the shape of the exoskeleton robot suitable for application in the military field and the required performance is presented in the present work.