Kroppsdrevne

Kroppsdrevne is a term used in Scandinavian languages to describe devices, systems, or mechanisms that are driven primarily by the human body. Etymologically, it combines body (kropp/body) with driven (dreven), and it is used to indicate that the body provides the energy source or acts as the main actuator rather than external power.

Overview and concept

Kroppsdrevne design focuses on translating bodily input into mechanical action. Actuation can come from muscle contractions detected by cables or harnesses, signals from electromagnetic or biomechanical sensors like EMG, or direct translation of limb and torso movements into motion. The concept is closely related to body-powered prosthetics, manual control interfaces, and certain forms of assistive technology where the wearer or user supplies the driving force.

Applications

The most common examples are body-powered prostheses that use a harness-and-cable system to operate a terminal device, enabling grasping or releasing without external power. Other applications include rehabilitation and mobility devices, such as assistive exoskeletons or orthoses, that amplify or channel user effort, and interactive systems where bodily movement serves as the primary control signal.

Benefits and challenges

Kroppsdrevne solutions offer advantages such as independence from batteries, immediate and intuitive control, and high reliability in specific tasks. Challenges include limited available power and speed, user fatigue from sustained effort, and design constraints to ensure comfort, safety, and broad task applicability. Ongoing research seeks to improve signal detection, reduce weight, and broaden the range of activities that can be controlled body-drivably.