Researchers from the Warsaw University of Technology and the Łukasiewicz Industrial Institute for Automation and Measurements have developed an exoskeleton that will help in the rehabilitation of the hand.

The exoskeleton was developed for people who, as a result of an accident or illness, cannot move their upper limb at all or whose range of movement has been significantly reduced. 

“The device consists of printed parts connected by driven rotating pairs or free sliding bearings”, says Piotr Falkowski, a PhD student from the Warsaw University of Technology and project leader. 

The structure is applied to the entire upper limb. It supports the movements of the shoulder and elbow joint through the appropriate control of electric drives.

According to PW, the prototype of the exoskeleton is already ready. It weighs 8.4 kg and has been 3D printed. The target solution, however, needs to be lighter and perhaps even more robust.