DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A SOFT ROBOTIC EXO-HAND FOR REHABILITATION OF STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

This paper aims to present a portable, light-weight, highly compliant and economical soft-robotic exo-hand glove which can be used by recovering stroke patients (quadriplegics and hemiplegics) so that they mad indecently resume rehabilitation at home and may be partially enabled to carry out basic ADL. The aim of this project is to drastically improve the quality of life for these patients and use science for the noble purpose of helping the fellow man. The glove comprises of Pneuflex actuators that are pressurized by air using electromagnetic valves and an ingenuous control system that has low hysteresis and noise. PWM is used to actuate the valves and the whole system is embedded in a soft fabric by means of Velcro to form a wearable glove. The system will be pressurized by means of a compressor that may be mounted on the wheelchair of the patient for improved portability and a suitable LiPo battery may be used.