Design of a Modular Hand Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation and Training

Abstract

Nowadays, the rehabilitation process can significantly increase the efficacy exploiting the potentialities of robot-mediated therapies. Robot rehabilitation is an emerging and promising topic that incorporates robotics with neuroscience and rehabilitation to define new methods for supporting patients with neurological diseases. In this paper we present the design of an innovative exoskeleton for hand finger flexion/extension motion rehabilitation and training. It is designed to be modular, wearable, and easy to control and manage. It can be used by the patient in collaboration with the therapist or autonomously. The paper introduces the main steps of device design and development and presents and compare three different solutions.