D Braun, A Sutrisno, and T Zhang, Method and Apparatus for Augmented Locomotion, US Patent 11,439,564, 2022.
Provided are apparatuses for augmenting human speed, human-driven compliant mechanisms, artificial limbs to augment human movement, and the like. The apparatuses can include variable stiffness mechanisms including springs that can be configured to selectively store and subsequently release energy generated by human movement. The apparatuses can selectively release the captured energy supplied by the human to provide force and power output beyond the physical capability of the human.