IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - June 2020 - 18

moment, we decided to build an exoskeleton for paraplegic persons in order
to participate in the competition.

The members of the HERMES Team (from left): Dimitrios Dallas, Stella Konstanti,
Antonios Alexos, Iordanis Kostelidis, Modestos Kapinas, Pavlos Kokozidis, Despoina
Markoglou, and Tilemachos Tsiapras.

The women members of HERMES Team: Stella Konstanti (left) and Despoina Markoglou.

weight-to-strength ratio through the
extensive use of composite materials
such as carbon fiber and specially
selected alloys (such as Al-7075). With
the sponsorship of Dassault Systems of
SolidWorks Suite, we made every
mechanical component and stress test
necessary for the safety of the device.
The key difference is the combination
of all those traits, in one device.
R8T: How was this idea born? What
motivated you?
The whole idea began in July 2018,
during the R8 SYP 2018 Conference, in
18

IEEE ROBOTICS & AUTOMATION MAGAZINE

JUNE 2020

Porto, between the IEEE University of
Thessaly Student Branch, Greece, and
the IEEE RAS Student Chapter-International Hellenic University-Serres
(formerly Technological Educational
Institute of Central Macedonia), Greece.
We realized that, as young student engineers, there is a need of synergies inside
the ecosystem of the IEEE, between
organizational units and, more specifically, Branches and Student Chapters.
And out of nothing the idea struck. We
saw in IEEE Robotics and Automation
Magazine an article dedicated to the
Cybathlon and that was it. From that

R8T: How does the life of a paraplegic
person change by using an exoskeleton?
The life of a disabled person with
the help of an exoskeleton is significantly improved. Daily tasks such as
ascending and descending a series of
stairs become routine. It changes dramatically. The daily routine of paraplegic people is upgraded, so they can
serve themselves. It has an impact on
the exercise and health of the user, as
blood circulation returns to more normal rhythms and the risk of thrombosis
is reduced. In addition, pressure sores
are minimized, as they are the main
danger of paraplegic individuals. It also
reintroduces the user to society, providing the ability to socialize and start
a normal life. The ability to work,
moreover, is feasible, as mobility issues
are minimized.
R8T: Is it difficult for someone to wear
the exoskeleton?
Not at all. Each exoskeleton has a
specific way that it can be worn. To be
more precise, with our exoskeleton, the
start position of the device is at the sitting position, so that each user, with a
wheelchair, can be transferred without
any particular help to the appropriate
position to fit the device to the user's
needs. With Velcro straps, the user can
fasten the device to the knees, thighs,
buttocks, and chest for better fit and
balance in movement. Also, there are
cuffs for better stability and user security. Once it is fastened, the user is ready
to boot the device through a modified
crutch that is attached to the device.
R8T: Seeing young people working with
such enthusiasm and dedication on a
demanding project is very motivational.
However, the team also includes women,
and I want to ask them. What's your
influence being an engineer?
Hermes Team women engineers:
Being a female engineer in a maledominant industry is very challenging.
(continued on page 176)

IEEE Robotics & Automation Magazine - June 2020

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