Prototype of Hand Rehabilitation Glove with Thin McKibben Muscles

Abstract

In this paper, we propose and prototype a new soft robotic rehabilitation glove which is lightweight and flexible. As one of the way of rehabilitation for postoperative or spasticity, the continuous passive opening and closing motions by rehabilitation gloves are effective. However, most conventional rehabilitation gloves have challenges such as weight, size or hardness. In this study, we propose, design, prototype and test the lightweight and flexible new soft robotic rehabilitation glove by using the lightness and flexibility of thin McKibben muscles. As a result, we success to open and close hand and hold a water bottle with relaxation status.