ExoHand may help rehabilitate stroke victims' hands

Stroke victims who lose some of their motor functions may benefit from a new exoskeleton hand developed by a German automation firm. Festo's ExoHand is a glove controller that can also reduce strain from repetitive tasks when using one's natural hands, tech site CNET reported. "The objectives are to enhance the strength and endurance of the human hand, to extend humans' scope of action and to secure them an independent lifestyle even at an advanced age," CNET quoted Festo as saying. CNET said the device is a "force amplification device" that has eight double-action pneumatic actuators. Potentiometers and pressure sensors are built into the artificial hand, and track the force and position of the fingers. The glove has all the axes of movement of the hand itself, and was made with components already being made in large quantities, so mass production is possible. The force-feedback system can help the glove manipulate objects from afar when dealing with hazardous environments such as nuclear power plants, CNET said. "Factory workers who perform repetitive manual tasks might also benefit from the ExoHand as it would increase their strength," it said. Other potential uses include orthotic applications, for instance helping stroke victims rehabilitate motor control in their hands. — LBG, GMA News