What is a DAP Exoskeleton?
Definition and working principle
A DAP exoskeleton (Progression Assistance Device) represents a major technological advancement in the field of active exoskeletons. Unlike passive devices that merely store and release mechanical energy, a DAP is a motorised exoskeleton that actively assists leg movements. Its operation relies on an intelligent system composed of sensors – gyroscopes and accelerometers – that analyse the user's walking phase in real time.
When the sensor detects an ascent phase, the DAP activates its electric motors to amplify the push, thereby reducing the muscular effort required. During descent, the device brakes the knee's flexion to offer increased safety and reduce the load on the joints. This assistance is adaptive: it automatically adjusts based on the slope, walking speed, and carried load. The user thus benefits from a reduction in metabolic load of up to 30%, enabling longer and less strenuous efforts.
Key differences from a standard exoskeleton
To fully understand the value of the DAP exoskeleton, it is essential to distinguish it from standard exoskeletons, which are often passive:
- Passive exoskeleton: operates with springs and shock absorbers, storing mechanical energy to release it. It is useful for postural support or occasional relief but does not add motive power.
- DAP exoskeleton: provides active, programmable force through its electric motors. It significantly reduces muscle fatigue and enables tasks that would otherwise be impossible without assistance.
- Weight and comfort: DAPs are generally heavier (4 to 8 kg) but offer superior comfort for prolonged efforts, as the motorised assistance more than compensates for the extra weight.
- Training required: unlike purely mechanical devices, a DAP requires 1 to 2 hours of training to master walking with assistance and understand the settings.
Applications of the DAP Exoskeleton in Malta
Hiking and outdoor activities on the Maltese Islands
Malta’s rugged coastline and scenic trails—like the coastal paths of Dingli Cliffs or the rocky terrain of Gozo—are ideal for the DAP exoskeleton. The device provides valuable assistance in three key areas:
- Ascent assistance: reduces effort on the quadriceps and calves, allowing steep slopes to be climbed without muscle exhaustion, particularly useful on the uneven paths of the Maltese countryside.
- Descent safety: active control of knee flexion to prevent falls and protect joints, essential on limestone terrain and cobbled village streets.
- Battery life: battery offering 2 to 4 hours of continuous use depending on the terrain and chosen assistance level.
Models like the DAP-X allow you to cover 20 km of trail with 30% less fatigue, making routes accessible that were once reserved for the fittest hikers, even under the Mediterranean sun.
Professional environment (industry, logistics)
In Malta’s growing industrial and logistics sectors, the DAP exoskeleton addresses major occupational health challenges:
- MSD prevention: assistance when carrying heavy loads or during repetitive movements, reducing musculoskeletal disorders common in warehousing and manufacturing.
- Increased productivity: reduced fatigue enables longer and more efficient work shifts, aligning with Malta’s high-demand logistics hubs.
- Adaptability: customisable settings for each operator (assistance force, range of motion).
Companies like Exyvex offer specific DAPs for material handlers, with reinforcements at the lower back and knees, suitable for the local climate and working conditions.
Rehabilitation and medical device
The DAP exoskeleton also finds promising applications in Malta’s healthcare system, particularly in rehabilitation centres and elderly care:
- Progressive muscle strengthening: the DAP can provide resistance or assistance according to the patient's needs, enabling personalised work.
- Post-operative recovery: after a hip or knee replacement, the DAP secures the return to walking and prevents poor posture, a growing need with Malta’s ageing population.
- Progress tracking: integrated sensors record walking data, allowing the physiotherapist to adjust the rehabilitation programme.
- Mobility aid: for the elderly or those with neuromuscular conditions, the DAP offers valuable assistance to maintain independence, especially in multi-storey homes without lifts.
Advantages and limitations of the DAP Exoskeleton
Benefits for the user
Adopting a DAP exoskeleton brings tangible benefits:
- Joint comfort: significant reduction in knee and hip pain during prolonged exertion.
- Real-time adaptability: assistance automatically adjusts to the slope, speed, and carried load.
- Enhanced safety: anti-fall sensors and automatic emergency stop in case of abnormal movement.
- Versatility: usable indoors and outdoors, on flat or uneven terrain, from Valletta’s streets to rural farmlands.
Limitations and usage precautions
Despite its advantages, the DAP exoskeleton has certain constraints:
- Weight: 5 to 8 kg, which can hinder movement without assistance (for example, climbing stairs without activating the DAP).
- Battery life: limited to 3-4 hours under intensive use, requiring recharging planning, especially during long hikes in Malta’s heat.
- Mandatory training: learning to walk with the device (1 to 2 hours) to avoid developing bad habits.
- Cost: between €4,500 and €13,000 depending on features, representing a significant investment for local buyers.
- Maintenance: regular recharging, checking motors and sensors, periodic servicing.
Comparison with Exyvex solutions
Introduction to Exyvex
Exyvex is a French manufacturer of active exoskeletons, specialising in DAPs. The brand offers three main models:
- Exyvex Pro: designed for intensive professional applications, with reinforced assistance and increased robustness.
- Exyvex Lite: lightweight model optimised for hiking and outdoor activities.
- Exyvex Rehab: medical version with clinical monitoring and therapeutic settings.
All models incorporate artificial intelligence that adapts to the user's morphology and walking style.
DAP Exoskeleton vs Exyvex: respective strengths
| Criterion | Generic DAP | Exyvex |
|---|---|---|
| Settings | Wide range, compatibility with third-party apps | Optimised for immediate use |
| Weight | 5-8 kg | 4.5 kg (Lite model) |
| Battery life | 2-4 hours | 5 hours (Lite model) |
| After-sales service | Varies by manufacturer | Maintenance in Malta, training included |
| Price | €7,000 on average | €6,000 (Exyvex Lite) |
Which choice for which use?
The choice between a generic DAP and an Exyvex model depends on the intended use:
- For hiking: the Exyvex Lite is recommended for its featherlight weight (4.5 kg) and 5-hour battery life, ideal for long days exploring Malta’s trails and Gozo’s hills.
- For workplace use: a robust DAP like the Exyvex Pro, with reinforced assistance and strengthened casing, suits demanding industrial environments such as Malta’s freeport or manufacturing facilities.
- For rehabilitation: a medical DAP with clinical monitoring, such as the Exyvex Rehab, offers the necessary therapeutic features for local physiotherapy clinics.
Exyvex stands out for its specialisation and complete ecosystem, including a tracking app, Malta-based maintenance, and personalised training.
Testimonials and case studies
Use in hiking
Maria, 48, avid hiker from Sliema: "With the DAP exoskeleton Exyvex, I was able to complete the Victoria Lines trail without knee pain. The ascent assistance is incredible, and on the descent, I feel safe. It's a real life-changer for me, especially in Malta’s rocky terrain."
A case study conducted with a group of hikers equipped with DAPs showed they covered 30 km in 8 hours with 25% less fatigue compared to a control group without the device, even in the Mediterranean climate.
Application in business
In Malta’s logistics sector, a transport company reduced MSD-related sick leave by 40% after adopting DAPs for its forklift drivers and material handlers. Jean-Paul, a forklift driver for 10 years, testifies: "I carry heavy loads all day in the warehouse, the DAP helps me get through without pain. I go home less tired, ready for family time."
Successful rehabilitation
A 68-year-old patient from Mosta, after a knee replacement, resumed independent walking in just 3 weeks thanks to a rehabilitation DAP. His physiotherapist explains: "The DAP allows for progressive and safe muscle work. We can adjust the assistance in real time, which is ideal for rehabilitation, especially for older patients in Malta."
FAQ on the DAP Exoskeleton
What exactly is a DAP exoskeleton?
A DAP (Progression Assistance Device) is an active, motorised exoskeleton that assists leg movements to reduce effort, improve mobility, and prevent injuries. It differs from passive exoskeletons through its motorised and adaptable assistance.
What are the advantages of a DAP exoskeleton compared to a standard exoskeleton?
DAPs offer active (motorised) assistance that reduces fatigue by up to 30%, real-time adaptation to slope and load, and enhanced safety (anti-fall sensors). Standard exoskeletons, often passive, only provide limited mechanical support.
Is the DAP exoskeleton suitable for mountain hiking in Malta?
Yes, DAPs are designed for hiking: they assist ascent (push) and descent (braking), reducing muscle fatigue and the risk of injury. Models like the Exyvex Lite are specifically optimised for this type of use, perfect for Malta’s coastal and inland trails.
Can a DAP exoskeleton be used for rehabilitation after a leg injury?
Absolutely. DAPs are used in rehabilitation to progressively strengthen muscles, secure walking, and track progress via sensors. They are particularly effective after a knee or hip replacement, a common procedure in Malta’s hospitals.
How much does a DAP exoskeleton cost and where can I buy one in Malta?
The price ranges from €4,500 to €13,000 depending on features. Manufacturers like Exyvex offer models starting from €6,000. They can be purchased directly from their website or through specialised medical and hiking equipment retailers in Malta, with local support available.
