MAXFAS: Mechatronic Arm Exoskeleton for Firearm Aim Stabilization

Abstract

This article details the design, fabrication, and application of a mechatronic arm exoskeleton for firearm aim stabilization (MAXFAS), which senses and damps involuntary tremors in the arm. Human subject experiments were carried out using the device in a simulated shooting and aiming task. Results indicate that MAXFAS reduced arm tremors and improved shooting performance while wearing the device. Residual performance improvement after removing the device and possible training function of MAXFAS will also be discussed.

ARCTiC LawE: An Upper-Body Exoskeleton for Firearm Training

“…Buying 0.40 S&W 180 grain full metal jacket rounds in bulk (cheaper than when buying fewer rounds) costs $120 for 500 rounds [1] or about $0.24 each. Based on the information above, it can be expected that tor the 2016 fiscal year, the Department of Homeland Security will have spent *$6.4 M just on the bullets for training.…”

“…Research has shown that tremors in the arm have negative effects on aiming [3][4][5]8]; however, accuracy when aiming and firing a handgun depends on three primary factors: (1) environmental, (2) hardware, and (3) human factors [1]. A lot of devices have been developed to mitigate environmental impact and hardware impact on accuracy, but few exist to assist in training humans with handguns.…”

“…A lot of devices have been developed to mitigate environmental impact and hardware impact on accuracy, but few exist to assist in training humans with handguns. The human factors that effect aim include: (1) fatigue [2], (2) experience [3,4], (3) body sway [1], (4) heart rate [9], and (5) arm tremors [7].…”

Two-Degree Adjustable Exoskeleton for Assistance of the Human Arm Using a Mechanical System of Fast Assembly and Upgradability

“…The electromechanical system of [13] is guided by Bowden cables on a non-movable platform which also requires a holding in the hand to be directed. For the rehabilitation of the hand, similar to [14] who use an exoskeleton that uses Bowden cables for the stabilization of the human arm when it operates firearms, [15] use a non-portable exoskeleton that is directed by the user and used in therapies with virtual environments.…”

ARCTiC LawE: armed robotic control for training in civilian law enforcement

“…Research has shown that tremors in the arm have negative affect on aiming [43,53,81] however, accuracy when aiming and firing a handgun depends on three primary factors: (1), environmental, (2) hardware, and (3) human factors [6]. A lot of devices have been developed to mitigate environmental impact and hardware impact on accuracy, but few exist to assist in training or augmenting humans.…”