Marilyn Marnie King

Papers

Total Citations

245

H-Index

About

Marilyn Marnie King is a pioneering researcher in assistive robotics and rehabilitation engineering, with a focus on developing passive exoskeletons to restore limb function in individuals with neuromuscular disabilities. Her landmark 2006 review, "Passive exoskeletons for assisting limb movement" (155 citations), established the foundational framework for lightweight, non-motorized orthoses, emphasizing the potential of spring-based mechanisms over bulky powered systems. King’s most celebrated contribution is the Wilmington Robotic Exoskeleton (WREX), detailed in her 2011 paper (90 citations). This novel, articulated upper-extremity orthosis uses elastic elements to counter gravity, enabling children and adults with muscular weakness—such as those with arthrogryposis or spinal muscular atrophy—to achieve functional arm movement. Through a prospective case-controlled study, she demonstrated WREX’s efficacy in improving reach and daily living activities, marking a significant advance in accessible, low-cost assistive technology. Her work has not only garnered over 245 citations but also inspired clinical adoption and further innovation in passive exoskeleton design. King’s research bridges engineering and patient care, offering transformative solutions that enhance independence and quality of life for people with movement disorders.