Soft, Rigid, and Hybrid Robotic Exoskeletons for Hand Rehabilitation: Roadmap with Impairment-Oriented Rationale for Devices Design and Selection

Abstract

In recent decades, extensive attention has been paid to the study and development of robotic devices specifically designed for hand rehabilitation. Accordingly, a many concepts concerning rigid, soft, and hybrid types have emerged in the literature, with significant ongoing activity being directed towards the development of new solutions. In this context, the paper focuses on the technical features of devices conceived for the robotic rehabilitation of the hand with reference to the three kinds of exoskeleton architecture and the clinical requirements demanded by the target impairment of the end-user. The work proposes a roadmap (i) for both the design and selection of exoskeletons for hand rehabilitation, (ii) to discriminate among the peculiarities of soft, rigid, and hybrid devices, and (iii) with an impairment-oriented rationale. The clinical requirements expected for an exoskeleton are identified by applying a PICO-inspired approach focused on the impairment analysis; the technical features are extracted from a proposed design process for exoskeletons combined with a narrative literature review. A cross-analysis between device families and features is presented to provide a supporting tool for both the design and selection of exoskeletons according to an impairment-oriented rationale.

NOHAS: A Novel Orthotic Hand Actuated by Servo Motors and Mobile App for Stroke Rehabilitation

“…The main requirements of the design of our hand orthosis are the following: (1) lightweight-less than 500 g including battery, (2) low profile-fits average adult hand size (breadth 190-200 mm) with adjustable features, (3) inexpensive-material cost USD ~400, (4) actuated by simple wireless interface-for in-house operation, (5) untethered connection-powered on board by a battery, and (6) essential for ADLs as well as rehabilitation. Recently, these design specifications and other aspects were discussed in a review article [56] and we suggest it to readers for more detail. In the design of this hand orthosis, we brainstormed different ideas, and a group of students from a senior design team and graduate students worked on this collaboratively, supervised by the principal investigator from the concept stage to final development.…”