People who suffer from illnesses like osteoarthritis or myositis frequently need help with everyday chores like filling the kettle, peeling potatoes, and watering plants.
Initially, Bioservo developed a soft robotic glove in the Mechatronics department at the Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden to enhance human grip. The company was established in 2006 to develop its first commercial product, the SEM Glove, with an initial focus on rehabilitation, reducing stress in repetitive tasks, and assisting in daily activities.
General Motors licensed RoboGlove technology—which it co-developed with NASA—to Bioservo in 2016. What came out of this partnership was the early 2018 release of the Ironhand system. Ironhand is the first soft robotic muscle-strengthening system in the world. Its purpose is “to fight strain injuries and support workers on the factory floor to stay healthy and reduce the impact of their daily tasks.”
To give people back some degree of independence, Bioservo has also concentrated on developing a glove that strengthens grips for usage at home. This includes those with diseases such as multiple sclerosis, myositis, osteoarthritis, and spinal cord injuries, and those rendered weakened by serious traumas or strokes.
The Carbonhand features pressure sensors in each part-open glove that send signals to a control system, activating motors when extra assistance is needed. These motors pull on artificial tendons to create a “natural and dynamic grip,” applying the necessary force (up to 20 newtons per finger) to hold objects. The glove leaves the index finger and pinkie uncovered, while the thumb, second, and third fingers are gloved. A small power pack, worn at the waist or on the back, is used to power the glove, with arm straps available to keep cabling in place. Custom settings can be adjusted via a companion mobile app.
Patients in Sweden, Norway, and Germany were the first to receive the Carbonhand system. Only veterans in the US are now allowed to obtain it; in February, John Lamb of Montana received the first prescription for it. Lamb has inclusion body myositis, an uncommon disorder that damages and weakens muscles.
The Carbonhand is now accessible to all US patients. Interested parties can fill out an online form, and a professional will get in touch with them to talk about their requirements and start the process of buying.
Pricing details have not yet been disclosed.
Product page: Carbonhand
