This work focused on development of a soft, lightweight and low-cost robotic glove that patients can wear and use to recover hand functionality, utilizing a portable and intuitive interface.
Annually, some 600,000 people are left with loss of motor function as a result of stroke [1]. The ensuing weakness, hemiparesis, typically afflicts the limbs on one side of the body. Recovery of motor function can be regained through repetitive motion exercises. It has been shown that robotic assistance in rehabilitation can improve outcomes [2]. Current devices consist primarily of large devices used with a therapist, or unpowered orthotics providing rigid support. This work focused on development of a soft, lightweight and low-cost robotic glove that patients can wear and use to recover hand functionality, utilizing a portable and intuitive interface.
M. A. Delph II, S. A. Fischer, P. W. Gauthier, C. H. Martinez Luna, E. A. Clancy and G. S. Fischer. "Development of a Cable Driven Flexible Robotic Rehabilitation Glove," Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) 2012 Annual Meeting, Atlanta, Georgia, 2012.
*denotes a WPI undergraduate student author