Wearable devices, wearable robotic devices, gloves, and systems, methods, and computer program products interacting with the same

Overview

Wearable exoskeletal technology remains a challenging task despite advances in sensing, actuation, and fabrication techniques. It can be used in the military for strength augmentation, the medical field for rehabilitation, and commercially for gaming and human computer interaction. The hand provides a unique platform for this technology because of its anatomical complexity. Previous research in hand exoskeleton interfaces utilize bulky actuation methods and require range-limiting tethers to a computer and or power source. These technologies are both uncomfortable and impractical for extended everyday use. This has prevented similar technologies from successfully reaching the commercial, academic and medical fields. A team of Drexel researchers has developed an untethered soft exoskeletal system that is not bound by these constraints. Using computer controlled knitting technology and novel on-arm tendon actuation methods, they are able to fabricate devices in a manner that is both customizable and mass-producible.

Applications

  • A touch-interface for human computer interaction
  • An assistive device for strength augmentation and amplification
  • A device that enables customized in-home rehabilitative exercise and 24/7 monitoring
  • A master or slave device for teleoperation

Advantages

  • Offers an elegant “soft” solution to current bulky and cumbersome exoskelton technologies
  • Cost effective manufacturing process allows the device to be both customizable and ready for mass production

Intellectual Property and Development Status

United States Patent Pending- 15/123,236

 

Commercialization Opportunities

 

Contact Information

 

Alexey Melishchuk, Ph.D.

Associate Director, Licensing

Office of Applied Innovation

Drexel University

3180 Chestnut Street, Ste. 104

The Left Bank

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Phone: 215-895-0304

Email: amelishchuk@Drexel.edu

 

For Technical Information:

 

Geneviève Dion

Assistant Professor

Director, Shima Seiki Haute Technology Laboratory at ExCITe

Westphal College of Media Arts and Design

3141 Chestnut St URBN 310H

Philadelpha, PA 19104

Email: gdion@drexel.edu

 

Andrew R. Cohen

Associate Professor

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Drexel University

3120 – 40 Market St., Suite 110

Philadelphia, PA 19104

Office phone: (215) 571 – 4358

E-mail: acohen@coe.drexel.edu