A Soft Robotic Glove Restores Grip Strength to Weakened Hands

Individuals weakened by osteoarthritis or myositis may require assistance with daily tasks like watering plants, filling the kettle, or peeling potatoes. The Carbonhand robotic glove is designed to aid with these activities and is now available to everyone in the US.

However, Bioservo’s development of a soft robotic glove to enhance human grip for rehabilitation, reducing stress in repetitive tasks, or assisting with daily activities, began in the Mechatronics lab at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology. The company was established in 2006 to create its first commercial product, the SEM Glove.

The World’s First Soft Robotic Muscle-Strengthening System

In 2016, General Motors licensed the RoboGlove technology, co-developed with NASA, to Bioservo.

This collaboration appears to have led to the launch of the Ironhand system in early 2018, which became the world’s first soft robotic muscle-strengthening system, designed to combat strain injuries and help factory workers stay healthy while reducing the strain of their daily tasks.

Additionally, Bioservo has been developing a grip-strengthening glove for home use, aimed at helping individuals with conditions such as multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, myositis, osteoarthritis, and those weakened by strokes or traumatic injuries, to regain some independence in tasks that require grasping or holding objects.

Enhancing Grip Strength with Advanced Sensor Technology

The Carbonhand features pressure sensors in each partially open glove that send signals to a control system, activating motors when additional assistance is required to securely hold objects.

These motors pull on artificial tendons to create a “natural and dynamic grip,” applying up to 20 newtons of force per finger to grasp objects.

The glove leaves the index finger and pinkie uncovered, while the thumb, second, and third fingers are gloved.

Moreover, a small power pack can be worn at the waist or on the back, with arm straps available to keep the cables in place. Custom settings can be adjusted through a companion mobile app.

Carbonhand’s U.S. Debut

The company initially launched the Carbonhand system for patients in Sweden, Norway, and Germany but recently extended availability to US veterans only.

The first US prescription was given in February to John Lamb from Montana, who has inclusion body myositis, a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and damage.

To conclude, the system is available to all patients. However, those interested are encouraged to complete an online questionnaire, after which a specialist will contact them to discuss the details and begin the acquisition process. Pricing information has not been disclosed.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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