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Restoring motor and sensory functions with a wearable sensorized exoskeleton
In this project, we propose a real-time sensorized hand-exoskeleton that combines the exosuit and the sensory feedback based on TENS systems. The integrated robotic system will be able to provide the user with assisted grasping force control via exo and with fine grip-force feedback.
Over 50 million people worldwide suffer from persistent neuromotor hand impairment. We will exploit a robotic hand exo to provide grasp assistance in therapy and activities of daily life. User studies in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI) proved the potential of the robotic hand orthosis but also highlighted room for improvement in terms of functional assistance and provided grasp force. Transcutanoues Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has the potential to improve grasp function by providing sensory feedback or targeted muscle activation. This project aims to develop and evaluate a proof of concept of the combination of specific patterns of electrical stimulation with the Exo.
Over 50 million people worldwide suffer from persistent neuromotor hand impairment. We will exploit a robotic hand exo to provide grasp assistance in therapy and activities of daily life. User studies in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI) proved the potential of the robotic hand orthosis but also highlighted room for improvement in terms of functional assistance and provided grasp force. Transcutanoues Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) has the potential to improve grasp function by providing sensory feedback or targeted muscle activation. This project aims to develop and evaluate a proof of concept of the combination of specific patterns of electrical stimulation with the Exo.
In the first part of the project, the student will familiarize with the exo, gain experience from running user studies, and prepares the required hardware (electronics, actuation system). Based on these insights, the targeted use case will be refined. Afterward, the student will familiarize with the electrical stimulation principles and he/she will adapt the system developed for the specific application. The robotic hand orthosis and electrical stimulation will be integrated to create a closed-loop hand assistive device that improves hand function in people with SCI through the combination of mechanical assistance, augmented sensory feedback, and potentially functional stimulation. Finally, the student will design tasks to evaluate the functionality and benefit of the combined approach in neurologically intact subjects and people with SCI.
Required Tasks
10% Literature review of state-of-the-art
10% Familiarization with the exo and preparation of required hardware
20% Definition of design case and familiarization with electrical stimulation 3
30% Integration of electrical stimulation with the exo
20% Design of functional tasks and assessment of the integrated system
10% Presentations and report
In the first part of the project, the student will familiarize with the exo, gain experience from running user studies, and prepares the required hardware (electronics, actuation system). Based on these insights, the targeted use case will be refined. Afterward, the student will familiarize with the electrical stimulation principles and he/she will adapt the system developed for the specific application. The robotic hand orthosis and electrical stimulation will be integrated to create a closed-loop hand assistive device that improves hand function in people with SCI through the combination of mechanical assistance, augmented sensory feedback, and potentially functional stimulation. Finally, the student will design tasks to evaluate the functionality and benefit of the combined approach in neurologically intact subjects and people with SCI.
Required Tasks 10% Literature review of state-of-the-art 10% Familiarization with the exo and preparation of required hardware 20% Definition of design case and familiarization with electrical stimulation 3 30% Integration of electrical stimulation with the exo 20% Design of functional tasks and assessment of the integrated system 10% Presentations and report
Dr. Giacomo Valle, Assistant Professor, Head of Neural Bionics laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Dept. Electrical Eng, Life Bionics, Goteborg Sweden
email: valleg@chalmers.se
Dr. Giacomo Valle, Assistant Professor, Head of Neural Bionics laboratory, Chalmers University of Technology, Dept. Electrical Eng, Life Bionics, Goteborg Sweden
