Robo-Rehab

This article describes the features of a soft robotic device being developed by researchers that could give patients a quicker boost toward manipulating their fingers to hold and grasp items. The device controls the level of force applied and sends data back for evaluation and combines hard and soft robotic elements. Actuator sections are placed over individual joints and connected through a glove. Using advances in laminating materials and working with compression molding and other fabrication techniques the research and development team is combining the mechanics of hard robotics with soft robotics. The device relies on proprietary, bellow-type soft actuator sections that are placed over individual joints and connected through a soft and rigid hybrid structure, or glove. Additionally, the device controls the level of force applied and sends data back for evaluation by a technician or therapist. The researchers say it will allow therapists to work with more people and to care for them remotely, providing portability and allowing patients to rehab without having to travel to an office.