Design and Development of an Assistive Soft Exoskeleton, Integrating Innovative Pneumatic Fabric Actuators and EMG Sensors
摘要
Soft robotics, a field that elevates robots with flexible materials and bio-inspired designs, enables greater adaptability and safer human interactions. Integrating such technology with wearable exoskeletons could offer superior comfort and safety for users requiring assistance. The project aimed to design and develop an assistive device for stroke survivors, prioritising a simple, beautiful, tactile, and inclusive design that would not only be aesthetically pleasing but also make individuals feel confident and comfortable wearing it, effectively removing the stigma associated with medical devices. Thereby, seamlessly integrating the product into users’ lives. The users consisted of stroke survivors aged 18–70 undergoing hemiplegia. Even after rehabilitation, these patients often experience weaker wrists and fingers due to smaller muscles and weaker nerve signals reaching these extremities. This significantly hinders their Activities of Daily Living (ADL), making them dependent on caregivers for assistance. The study conducted in-depth research through literature review and a comprehensive competitor analysis to gain an understanding of the field and existing solutions. This comprehensive user research guided the development of the design, which was further refined by drawing inspiration from nature. After a thorough study of innovative technologies, the core technologies implemented in this device were soft pneumatic fabric actuators that build upon the stretching and straining properties of heterogeneous fabrics to bend and strain sensors to detect bending, and Electromyography (EMG) sensors to measure the electrical activity of muscles.