NASA, GM developing power-assisted Robo-Glove
A robotic glove designed to reduce the risk of repetitive strain injury in both astronauts and auto workers is being developed by engineers at NASA and General Motors.
The Human Grasp Assist device, known as the K-glove or Robo-Glove, is said to achieve an unprecedented level of hand dexterity by utilising leading edge sensors, actuators and tendons comparable to the nerves, muscles and tendons in the human hand.
"When fully developed, the Robo-Glove has the potential to reduce the amount of force that an auto worker would need to exert when operating a tool for an extended time or with repetitive motions," said GM's Dana Komin. "In so doing, it is expected to reduce the risk of repetitive stress injury."
According to Komin, actuators are embedded into the upper portion of the glove to provide grasping support to human fingers. The pressure sensors are incorporated into the fingertips of the glove to detect when the user is grasping a tool. When the user grasps the tool, the synthetic tendons automatically retract, pulling the fingers into a gripping position and holding them there until the sensor is released.
The current prototype, said to be nearing completion, weighs in at about two pounds and includes the control electronics, actuators and a small display for programming and diagnostics. It is powered by an off the shelf lithium-ion power tool battery with a belt-clip.
Tests have so far indicated that the Robo-Glove enables users to hold a much longer grip, and more comfortably. The next goal, says Komin, is to bring the technology to the shop floor.
