A Modular Soft Robotic Exoskeleton for Active Hand Rehabilitation after Stroke

Sergio C. Chirinos, Emir A. Vela

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents the design and components of a modular soft exoskeleton for an active hand rehabilitation in people who has suffered a stroke. Most of the exoskeletons designs in which soft technologies are incorporated do not allow movement of the thumb. Our design allows their user to flex and stretch the index finger, the middle finger and the thumb repeatedly with the possibility to train their memory movement by picking and releasing. This was achieved through a soft exoskeleton-like glove design fabricated with a 3D printer with flexible materials. The overall weight of this Soft Exoskeleton-like glove 155 g, not including the battery of 6V, the electronic components and the microcontroller which are placed in the forearm and have total weight of 159 g. Our device is able to provide the forces of 3,9N in cylindric grasp position and 1,6N in precision grasp. These movements are possible because the thumb can move according to the grasping. This could allow future users to train and rehabilitate outside of a specialized center for more frequent training by doing repetitive exercise.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2021 IEEE Engineering International Research Conference, EIRCON 2021
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
ISBN (Electronic)9781665444453
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event2nd IEEE Engineering International Research Conference, EIRCON 2021 - Virtual, Lima, Peru
Duration: 27 Oct 202129 Oct 2021

Publication series

NameProceedings of the 2021 IEEE Engineering International Research Conference, EIRCON 2021

Conference

Conference2nd IEEE Engineering International Research Conference, EIRCON 2021
Country/TerritoryPeru
CityVirtual, Lima
Period27/10/2129/10/21

Keywords

  • Hand exoskeleton
  • Impaired hand
  • Soft robotics
  • Stroke

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