Member-only story

Development and Testing of Hand Exoskeletons: A Comprehensive Guide

Casey Bell

·16.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Development And Testing Of Hand Exoskeletons (Springer Theses)

5 min read · 3 weeks before

278 View Claps

17 Respond

Save

Listen

Hand exoskeletons are wearable devices that can augment, assist, or replace natural human hand function. They have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us, but their development and testing is a complex and challenging process. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in hand exoskeleton development, from design and materials to control systems and clinical applications. It also includes a detailed guide to testing hand exoskeletons, covering both mechanical and functional testing.

Design Considerations

The design of a hand exoskeleton is critical to its performance. Factors such as the number of degrees of freedom, the range of motion, and the stiffness of the exoskeleton all need to be carefully considered. The choice of materials is also important, as it affects the weight, strength, and durability of the exoskeleton.

Control Systems

The control system of a hand exoskeleton is responsible for translating the user's intent into movement. There are a variety of different control systems that can be used, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types of control systems are:

Development and Testing of Hand Exoskeletons (Springer Theses)

by Matteo Bianchi

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	21172 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	159 pages

Passive control systems: These systems do not require any active input from the user. They simply provide support or resistance to the hand's natural movements.
Active control systems: These systems use motors to power the hand's movements. They can be controlled by a variety of methods, such as joysticks, EMG signals, or even brain-computer interfaces.
Hybrid control systems: These systems combine elements of both passive and active control.

Clinical Applications

Hand exoskeletons have a wide range of potential clinical applications, including:

Stroke rehabilitation: Hand exoskeletons can help stroke patients regain lost motor function in their hands.
Spinal cord injury: Hand exoskeletons can help people with spinal cord injuries regain some degree of hand function.
Muscular dystrophy: Hand exoskeletons can help people with muscular dystrophy to perform everyday tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Ergonomics: Hand exoskeletons can be used to reduce the risk of injuries in workers who perform repetitive hand movements.

Testing Hand Exoskeletons

Testing is an essential part of the development process for hand exoskeletons. Testing can help to ensure that the exoskeleton is safe, effective, and reliable. There are two main types of testing that can be performed:

Mechanical testing This type of testing evaluates the physical properties of the exoskeleton, such as its strength, stiffness, and range of motion.
Functional testing This type of testing evaluates the exoskeleton's ability to perform specific tasks, such as grasping objects and manipulating tools.

Hand exoskeletons have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us. However, their development and testing is a complex and challenging process. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art in hand exoskeleton development, from design and materials to control systems and clinical applications. It also includes a detailed guide to testing hand exoskeletons, covering both mechanical and functional testing.

Benefits of Using Hand Exoskeletons

Hand exoskeletons offer a number of benefits, including:

Increased strength and dexterity: Hand exoskeletons can provide users with increased strength and dexterity, which can be helpful for tasks such as lifting heavy objects or manipulating small objects.
Improved mobility: Hand exoskeletons can help users to move more easily and freely, which can be beneficial for people with mobility impairments.
Reduced pain and fatigue: Hand exoskeletons can help to reduce pain and fatigue in users, which can be beneficial for people with conditions such as arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome.
Increased independence: Hand exoskeletons can help users to perform tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible, which can lead to increased independence and self-reliance.

Applications of Hand Exoskeletons

Hand exoskeletons have a wide range of potential applications, including:

Medical rehabilitation: Hand exoskeletons can be used to help people with injuries or disabilities to regain lost function in their hands.
Industrial use: Hand exoskeletons can be used to improve worker safety and productivity in a variety of industrial settings.
Military use: Hand exoskeletons can be used to enhance the capabilities of soldiers in the field.
Personal use: Hand exoskeletons can be used to assist people with everyday tasks, such as carrying groceries or gardening.

Development and Testing of Hand Exoskeletons (Springer Theses)

by Matteo Bianchi

5 out of 5