NASA and General Motors have spent the past 9 years collaborating to develop Roboglove, a robotic exoskeleton glove which gives individuals increased grip strength while holding weighted objects. The futuristic gloves allow users to not only grip heavy objects with more strength, but are still delicate enough to allow them to hold an egg without breaking it.

Originally developed for robots on the International Space Station, Roboglove completed tasks aboard the ship that were deemed too dangerous for humans. The technology is now being designed for a soft wearable glove for humans, allowing GM factory workers to have added grip strength in their daily process.

The glove contains a network of sensors, actuators, and tendons, which bend and maneuver with the human hand. The design allows the robotic components to apply added pressure, while still allowing the user to retain normal hand motions. The result enables workers to use half the amount of force they would regularly use to hold tools, making repetitive work easier and less strenuous.

Researchers are now looking into medical applications for the Roboglove which could provide less strain on patient muscles. Individual’s dexterity issues or people in rehabilitation can regain the muscle strength used to complete everyday tasks, such as opening a jar or twisting a doorknob.

New technology, such as Roboglove, is continually being manufactured in the medical industry to offer the most up-to-date custom solutions to patients in need of more intensive structural and motorized aids. From prototype systems to full laboratory-scale automation, Eclipse provides a diverse range of expert solutions tailored to fit your needs.

Source: IFLScience