Exoskeletons with Power Actuators and Methods of Operation Thereof

An exoskeleton for reducing muscle forces in a back of a person during forward lumbar flexion, the exoskeleton comprising:

• a frame configured to be coupled to a trunk of the person;
• a first link configured to be coupled to a first thigh of the person;
• the first link rotatably coupled to the frame,
• a second link configured to be coupled to a second thigh of the person, the second link is rotatably coupled to the frame;
• an actuator coupled to the frame, wherein the actuator comprises:
• a first element,
• a second element, wherein the first element and the second element are configured to rotate or translate relative to each other to create a force or torque,
• a first line having a first-line first end coupled to the first element and a first-line second end coupled to the first link, and
• a second line having a second-line first end coupled to the second element and a second-line second end coupled to the second link;
• and
• a lockout mechanism configured to selectively couple two components of exoskeleton such that the first link is prevented from rotating relative to the frame in at least one direction, wherein:
• when the lockout mechanism is in an unlocked position, the lockout mechanism does not influence motion of the first link relative to the frame, and
• when the lockout mechanism is in a locked position, the first link is prevented from flexing relative to the frame.