An assistive robotic glove is any powered device that helps anyone with weakness or a lack of movement in their natural hand perform grab-lift movements with somebody else. The device can be either a glove or a hand exoskeleton; the only thing that matters is its main function: to enhance the individual’s ability to grasp. Typically, this is needed because the biological hand has lost ability due to an illness, most commonly paralysis or arthritis, but an injury can also cause loss of ability. Let us understand what are robotic gloves.
Structure-
Two big reasons for making assistive robotic gloves. One is the user’s degree of movement and/or strength in the natural hand. The second one is the presence of the natural hand. Qualifying the movement and/or strength of use in the natural hand will tell whether augmentation may be required. If the complete movement is possible but weak. The only design specification is an additional grip strength after thumb and finger movement into grasp position. It can only help close them. When the user causes the glove to release an object, it releases the tension that was applied to the fingers via the artificial tendons. The fingers must have sufficient mobility to take advantage of this relaxed state.
How to Choose?
The additional consideration for users is whether they anticipate their bodily capabilities improving over time. The degree of movement and/or strength in a user’s hand drives purchase decisions the same way that it drives design considerations. They need to chart out a rehabilitation plan involving multiple devices from less to more natural movement/strength. In the case of a restricted budget for the user. This decision would imply using only rehabilitative devices in the first phase of the rehabilitation without assistive devices, rather later on. I. e. after abilities for natural movement have plateaued.
Applications-
Industrial Use: Enhance the capabilities of workers in manual labor-intensive industries. By reducing fatigue and increasing efficiency in tasks such as assembly, packaging, and material handling.
Rehabilitation: Physical rehabilitation following strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological agitations to regain hand functionality.
Disability Help: Support for people with disabilities including arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy in everyday activities, eating, writing, and dressing.
Research contribution: As far as research and development are concerned. They go towards complementary features in almost every respect of work-from developing new technologies to improving existing ones to applications in robotics and healthcare. Facilitate study related to biomechanics of hand movements and improve prosthesis. Use in research for developing a new technology and improve that for a different application as robotics and healthcare.
Rehabilitaion: Rehabilitation used in physical therapy settings to help patients regain hand function from strokes, spinal cord injuries, or other neurological conditions. Support repetitive hand exercise by offering feedback and ensuring movement accuracy.
After knowing what are robotic gloves, we understand that how is it helpful to us. As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations in robotic gloves, making them more efficient, comfortable, and accessible to a broader range of users. Their potential to transform both healthcare and industry highlights the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in the field of robotics.
