Innovation in Assistive Care and Rehabilitation: The Development of a Soft Glove Based on Honeycomb Pneumatic Actuators
By | August 30, 2023
In recent years, researchers in robotics and computer science have made remarkable strides in developing innovative systems to assist individuals with physical disabilities. These systems aim to improve the quality of life and aid in the rehabilitation of those in need. Among these innovative technologies are soft wearable devices, such as smart assistive gloves.
Prior to the development of the soft glove with honeycomb pneumatic actuators (HPAs), many smart gloves utilized fabric-based pneumatic actuators (FPAs). However, these FPAs had limitations in terms of the range of motions and the amount of force they could generate. As a result, their applications in rehabilitation and assistive care were limited.
To overcome these limitations, researchers at Southeast University in China have created a soft glove that can achieve significantly greater output force compared to previous models. Their findings were recently published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering.
The Innovation: Honeycomb Pneumatic Actuators
The key innovation in this new smart glove lies in the use of honeycomb pneumatic actuators (HPAs), constructed using flexible thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating through hot pressing or ultrasonic welding techniques. Unlike the FPAs, the HPA-based actuators do not rely solely on physical deformations and high air pressure. Instead, they achieve movements by flexing and folding an airbag.
This unique design allows the fingers on the glove to bend more naturally and exert greater force when gripping objects. In fact, the HPAs demonstrated an 862% increase in end output force compared to previous double-layer fabric-based pneumatic actuators (DLFPAs). The new soft pneumatic glove, integrated with HPAs, enables a wide range of activities of daily living.
Clinical Trials and Positive Outcomes
To evaluate the effectiveness of the soft glove, the researchers conducted clinical trials involving nine patients who had lost proper hand movement following a stroke. These patients were undergoing physical rehabilitation and were asked to use their fingers with and without the assistance of the HPA-based glove.
The researchers used two tests to measure finger movement and grip force. The results demonstrated that when assisted by the glove, the patients' finger metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints achieved angles of 87.67 ± 19.27°, and the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints achieved angles of 64.2 ± 30.66°. The average fingertip force reached 10.16 ± 4.24 N, while the average grip force reached 26.04 ± 15.08 N.
Moreover, the completion rate of daily functions for the patients increased from 39% to 76%. These outcomes clearly indicate that the soft glove effectively aids in finger movements and significantly enhances the patients' daily functioning.
Implications for Future Applications
The soft glove developed by the team of researchers at Southeast University has the potential to be commercialized and introduced into healthcare settings as a valuable rehabilitation tool for individuals recovering from strokes or injuries. It could also be further enhanced and utilized as a prosthetic tool, enabling individuals who are normally unable to move their hands to perform basic manual tasks.
As we look towards the future, the development of innovative technologies like the soft glove with HPAs holds tremendous promise for improving the lives of individuals with physical disabilities. These advancements not only enhance their quality of life but also provide them with greater independence and opportunity for full participation in daily activities.
As technological advancements continue, it is crucial for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to collaborate and explore further innovations in assistive care and rehabilitation. By prioritizing the development and implementation of these technologies, we can create a more inclusive society and ensure that no individual is left behind.
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