Humotech’s Q3 software release includes an upgrade to MATLAB R2020a, dynamic controller configuration, and unlimited recording.
At Humotech, we’re continuously updating our software to expand the capabilities of exoskeleton and prosthesis testing with the Caplex system and improve the user experience. We’ve packed a lot into our Q3 Software Release, which offers a range of upgrades and new features to help take your research further, faster. We’re especially excited about this release and the potential it holds for our customers. Read on to check out the highlights and be sure to log in to access the full release notes.
Greater Compatibility Using MATLAB R2020a
MATLAB and Simulink software is key to giving our customers the ability to customize the Caplex system to fit their research needs. In our Q3 release, we’ve updated the GUI and controllers to MATLAB R2020a (released in March 2020) in response to a poll we conducted with users of our software. R2020a offers a better overall programming experience and closes the compatibility gap users may have encountered with MATLAB R2017a. Now, you can easily share code with peers and use their latest programs, while also taking advantage of MATLAB’s latest language improvements, tools, and features.
Need to convert your code from MATLAB R2017a to R2020a? No problem—the built-in Simulink Upgrade Advisor can help walk you through the process, and so can the Humotech team. Customers who choose to upgrade to the new software can reach out to us with questions or issues they might encounter, at any step of the way. While we strongly recommend upgrading to R2020a for its benefits and improvements, we will continue to provide support for anyone using MATLAB R2017a as well. To note, no substantive changes to our controllers were necessary despite the three-year jump to R2020a.
MATLAB/Simulink is constantly improving, and the fields of prosthetics and exoskeletons are ever-evolving. We know it can be challenging to stay up to date with changes when your R&D is already in motion. That’s why we’re here—so you can spend less time on labor-intensive interfaces and more time answering bigger-picture questions.
Dynamic Controller Configuration
The centerpiece of the Q3 release is the new dynamic controller configuration feature, which streamlines controller configuration and eliminates having to change code on the fly or create multiple copies of code. With new hardware-agnostic controller models, users have the freedom to switch wearable devices, actuators and other hardware without ever needing to touch the controller file.
Let’s say you create a data configuration for a right ankle exoskeleton and want to switch ports. Instead of manually updating the device’s configuration for a different channel in each controller that uses that device, you can simply update it at one place in the configuration file, and then all controllers that use that device are automatically updated with the new channel; device data is stored in one place, instead of spread across several pieces of code.
With this new dynamic architecture, users can easily switch between devices. Maybe you want to test a left ankle exoskeleton or a new revision of a prosthesis. Dynamic controller configuration gives you the ability to switch which device the controller looks up and adapts to without changing the controller. It also enables you to configure multiple combinations of system components without having to choose between creating multiple copies of the same code or creating one copy that you need to modify every time you assemble the separate components differently. Instead, just write out the assembly in a configuration file once and select the configuration by name in any number of controller configurations—one controller file is able to conveniently adapt to multiple situations, saving time and redundancy and offering more flexibility in test design.
Unlimited, Safe Recording
Building on GUI updates and improved traceability and reliability features in our Q2 release that protect data from being overwritten, users are now able to adjust and set their desired recording limit. Whether you choose to record for 2 hours or 24 hours, data stays safe and tucked away. With the new feature, recordings start downloading shortly after recording begins, requiring only a few seconds to finish the download after the recording ends. Also, recorded data is available for loading and plotting shortly after recording starts. That means you can view a recording right away without stopping it—no more pushing the “stop recording” button and waiting for ages to see your data.
Get All of the Upgrades
The Q3 release also features additional GUI updates, other controller and ankle exoskeleton controller improvements, and lots more. The release brings to fruition several longer-term priorities that have been in development for some time. We hope that you’ll find the Caplex software more robust and flexible than ever, and thank you for your feedback on improvements you’d like to see—feedback is essential for us to know how to best support your innovative projects.
If you’re a customer, access the full release notes here. If you’ve got an active service contact, schedule your upgrade today!
If your contract is expired or you’re not a Humotech customer but you want to learn more, please reach out to Gabriel, our Director of Sales at [email protected] or (412) 301-5083.