How Exoskeletons Stay Safe by Detecting Faulty Sensors
This patent describes a system for exoskeletons that detects when a sensor might be faulty by comparing its readings with other sensors, then switches to a backup and activates a safety mode to prevent harm.
Original patent title: “Sensor suite discrepancy detection system for safe operation of an exoskeleton”
This patent describes a system for exoskeletons that detects when a sensor might be faulty by comparing its readings with other sensors, then switches to a backup and activates a safety mode to prevent harm. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent describes an exoskeleton with a system to ensure safe operation by detecting sensor problems. It works by comparing the data from a user-operated force moment sensor with at least one torque sensor located in a joint mechanism. If the system identifies a discrepancy between these sensor readings, it can then recruit a substitute sensor from a backup group. After identifying the issue and recruiting a new sensor, a controller activates a specific safety mode and takes a remedial measure to keep the exoskeleton user safe. For example, if a torque sensor in an elbow joint reports zero force while the user's hand sensor shows a strong grip, the system might detect a discrepancy, switch to a backup torque sensor, and then reduce the arm's power to prevent uncontrolled movement.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover exoskeleton safety systems that do not compare output data from at least two different types of sensors, like a force moment sensor and a torque sensor.
- Does not cover safety systems that only detect sensor failure without recruiting a substitute sensor from a predefined group.
- Does not cover exoskeletons that implement safety measures without first identifying a discrepancy between specific sensor types.
- Does not cover general mechanical failures in an exoskeleton that are not related to sensor output discrepancies.
- Does not cover safety protocols that do not involve executing a 'remedial measure' associated with a 'safety mode'.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in the system's ability to actively compare different types of sensor data (like user-applied force and joint torque) to spot inconsistencies, then dynamically switch to a backup sensor and engage a safety protocol, rather than just relying on a single sensor's self-diagnosis.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Medical rehabilitation exoskeletons
Industrial assist exoskeletons
Military load-carrying exoskeletons
Powered prosthetic limbs
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Exoskeletons are complex machines that directly interact with human bodies, making safety paramount. A malfunction, especially a sensor failure, could lead to serious injury for the user. This system aims to build trust in exoskeleton technology by providing a robust way to detect and respond to sensor errors, which is critical for their widespread adoption in medical, industrial, and military applications.
Filed
June 9, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies like Sarcos Technology and Robotics Corporation, Ekso Bionics, and ReWalk Robotics are actively developing and deploying exoskeletons for various applications. These companies, along with research institutions, are continuously working on advanced safety systems to ensure reliable and secure operation of their devices, which would include robust sensor discrepancy detection.
Market impact
The development of reliable safety systems, such as this sensor discrepancy detection, is crucial for the growth and acceptance of the exoskeleton market. By mitigating risks associated with sensor failures, this technology helps to build user confidence, potentially accelerating adoption in healthcare, manufacturing, and defense sectors. It enables manufacturers to meet stringent safety standards, which is essential for commercial viability and regulatory approval.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent describes an exoskeleton with a system to ensure safe operation by detecting sensor problems. It works by comparing the data from a user-operated force moment sensor with at least one torque sensor located in a joint mechanism. If the system identifies a discrepancy between these sensor readings, it can then recruit a substitute sensor from a backup group. After identifying the issue and recruiting a new sensor, a controller activates a specific safety mode and takes a remedial measure to keep the exoskeleton user safe. For example, if a torque sensor in an elbow joint reports zero force while the user's hand sensor shows a strong grip, the system might detect a discrepancy, switch to a backup torque sensor, and then reduce the arm's power to prevent uncontrolled movement.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in the system's ability to actively compare different types of sensor data (like user-applied force and joint torque) to spot inconsistencies, then dynamically switch to a backup sensor and engage a safety protocol, rather than just relying on a single sensor's self-diagnosis.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover exoskeleton safety systems that do not compare output data from at least two different types of sensors, like a force moment sensor and a torque sensor.
- Does not cover safety systems that only detect sensor failure without recruiting a substitute sensor from a predefined group.
- Does not cover exoskeletons that implement safety measures without first identifying a discrepancy between specific sensor types.
- Does not cover general mechanical failures in an exoskeleton that are not related to sensor output discrepancies.
- Does not cover safety protocols that do not involve executing a 'remedial measure' associated with a 'safety mode'.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$11K – $35K
Midpoint $22K · 16.7 yr remaining · industry ×0.9
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How Exoskeletons Stay Safe by Detecting Faulty Sensors (U.S. Patent No. 12,734,676). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734676/sensor-suite-discrepancy-detection-system-for-safe-operation-of-an-exoskeleton
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Exoskeletons Stay Safe by Detecting Faulty Sensors cover?
This patent describes a system for exoskeletons that detects when a sensor might be faulty by comparing its readings with other sensors, then switches to a backup and activates a safety mode to prevent harm.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
Exoskeletons are complex machines that directly interact with human bodies, making safety paramount. A malfunction, especially a sensor failure, could lead to serious injury for the user. This system aims to build trust in exoskeleton technology by providing a robust way to detect and respond to sensor errors, which is critical for their widespread adoption in medical, industrial, and military applications.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover exoskeleton safety systems that do not compare output data from at least two different types of sensors, like a force moment sensor and a torque sensor.
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