A soft robotic exo-sheath using fabric EMG sensing for hand rehabilitation and assistance

Jiaqi Guo, Shuangyue Yu, Yanjun Li, Tzu Hao Huang, Junlin Wang, Brian Lynn, Jeremy Fidock, Chien Lung Shen, Dylan Edwards, Hao Su

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a soft hand exo-sheath integrated with a soft fabric electromyography (EMG) sensor for rehabilitation and activities of daily living (ADL) assistance of stroke and spinal cord injury (SCI) patients. This wearable robot addresses the limitations of the soft robot gloves with design considerations in terms of ergonomics and clinical practice. Its features include: This exo-sheath is based on electric actuation and has been designed to be compact and portable. It reduces the shear force and avoids kinematic singularity comparing with tendon-driven soft gloves as their tendon routings are typically in parallel with individual fingers. Disparate from conventional robotic gloves, this design optimizes a bio-inspired fin-ray structure to enhance the hand proprioception as the palm is not covered by wearable structures. With a novel self-fastening finger clasp design, wearers can self-don/doff the exoskeleton device simplifying ADL assistance. To develop more intuitive control interface, a soft fabric EMG sensor has been developed to understand human intentions. The functionality of this soft robot has been demonstrated with experimental results using the low-level position control, kinematics evaluation and reliable EMG measurements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2018 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2018
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages497-503
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)9781538645161
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 5 2018
Event1st IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2018 - Livorno, Italy
Duration: Apr 24 2018Apr 28 2018

Publication series

Name2018 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2018

Conference

Conference1st IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2018
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityLivorno
Period4/24/184/28/18

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Control and Optimization
  • Modeling and Simulation
  • Mechanical Engineering

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