Wearable upper limb robotics for pervasive health: a review

Wearable robotics, also called exoskeletons, have been engineered for human-centered assistance for decades. They provide assistive technologies for maintaining and improving patients’ natural capabilities towards self-independence and also enable new therapy solutions for rehabilitation towards pervasive health. Upper limb exoskeletons can significantly enhance human manipulation with environments, which is crucial to patients’ independence, self-esteem, and quality of life. For long-term use in both in-hospital and at-home settings, there are still needs for new technologies with high comfort, biocompatibility, and operability. The recent progress in soft robotics has initiated soft exoskeletons (also called exosuits), which are based on controllable and compliant materials and structures. Remarkable literature reviews have been performed for rigid exoskeletons ranging from robot design to different practical applications. Due to the emerging state, few have been focused on soft upper limb exoskeletons. This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the recent progress in wearable upper limb robotics including both rigid and soft exoskeletons with a focus on their designs and applications in various pervasive healthcare settings. The technical needs for wearable robots are carefully reviewed and the assistance and rehabilitation that can be enhanced by wearable robotics are particularly discussed. The knowledge from rigid wearable robots may provide practical experience and inspire new ideas for soft exoskeleton designs. We also discuss the challenges and opportunities of wearable assistive robotics for pervasive health.