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Development and clinical evaluation of a pediatric hand exoskeleton
PEXO is a fully wearable actuated pediatric hand exoskeleton developed to cover the special needs of children with strong impairment of hand function. The aim of the PEXO project is to provide affected children with a device that can support grasping in task-oriented training as well as daily life.
Keywords: hand exoskeleton; rehabilitation; therapy; wearable robotics; assistive device; usability;
Children with hand motor impairment due to cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, or pediatric stroke are considerably affected in their independence, development, and quality of life. Treatment conventionally includes task-oriented training in occupational therapy. In recent years, rehabilitation robotics have emerged to increase the deliverable dose and intensity of hand therapy to improve the therapeutic outcome.
A fully wearable actuated pediatric hand exoskeleton (PEXO) has been developed at the Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab). PEXO covers the special needs of children with strong impairments of hand function. It provides assistance in various grasp types needed for the execution of functional tasks. Appealing appearance, user-friendly design, and intuitive control with visual feedback of forearm muscle activity should keep the user motivated during training in the clinic. Due to its lightweight, fully portable and waterproof the design, PEXO bears the potential to transfer therapy from the clinic into daily life and at-home settings.
Currently, studies on the applicapility and potential of PEXO in task-oriented training are performed at Swiss Children's Rehab in Affoltern am Albis. To improve the performance and usability of PEXO, steady further development in agreement with the user studies is required.
New student projects may arise regularly and we are looking for interested and motivated people, but earliest for autumn semester 2021 (no projects available for FS21!).
Applications are welcome from July 2021.
Children with hand motor impairment due to cerebral palsy, traumatic brain injury, or pediatric stroke are considerably affected in their independence, development, and quality of life. Treatment conventionally includes task-oriented training in occupational therapy. In recent years, rehabilitation robotics have emerged to increase the deliverable dose and intensity of hand therapy to improve the therapeutic outcome.
A fully wearable actuated pediatric hand exoskeleton (PEXO) has been developed at the Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory (RELab). PEXO covers the special needs of children with strong impairments of hand function. It provides assistance in various grasp types needed for the execution of functional tasks. Appealing appearance, user-friendly design, and intuitive control with visual feedback of forearm muscle activity should keep the user motivated during training in the clinic. Due to its lightweight, fully portable and waterproof the design, PEXO bears the potential to transfer therapy from the clinic into daily life and at-home settings.
Currently, studies on the applicapility and potential of PEXO in task-oriented training are performed at Swiss Children's Rehab in Affoltern am Albis. To improve the performance and usability of PEXO, steady further development in agreement with the user studies is required.
New student projects may arise regularly and we are looking for interested and motivated people, but earliest for autumn semester 2021 (no projects available for FS21!). Applications are welcome from July 2021.
Not specified
Not specified
- Enthusiasm for clinical/home applications of rehabilitation robotics
- Background in mechanical engineering/robotics or health sciences
- Experience in mechanical and/or electronics design favorable
- Interest in wearable robotic device development and testing
- Ability to work and independently and organizational talent
- Enthusiasm for clinical/home applications of rehabilitation robotics - Background in mechanical engineering/robotics or health sciences - Experience in mechanical and/or electronics design favorable - Interest in wearable robotic device development and testing - Ability to work and independently and organizational talent
Jan Dittli,
Doctoral Candidate,
Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory RELab, ETH Zürich;
jan.dittli@hest.ethz.ch
Please send a CV and transcript, and mention your preferred start date and project type in your application.
Jan Dittli, Doctoral Candidate, Rehabilitation Engineering Laboratory RELab, ETH Zürich; jan.dittli@hest.ethz.ch
Please send a CV and transcript, and mention your preferred start date and project type in your application.