Wearable robotic devices for functional grip and gesture assistance. The design and testing of a dynamic thumb component

In this project, we aim to further develop our research at Strathclyde into the design and evaluation of upper limb exoskeletons for the arm but to change the focus to devices that assist in augmenting dextrous hand function for patient and user groups where compromised wrist and hand function limits performance of activities of daily living. This requires novel approaches into the design and usage of actuation mechanisms that can be integrated into lightweight and wearable technologies together with the and the development of effective controllers, power sources and user interfacing. The long-term project goals are to develop a wearable robotic orthotic system in which digit assistance in grip and gesturing can be provided in a way that replicates the synchrony observed in the control of digits during normal everyday hand use.