Automated design of a custom-made hand rehabilitation robot

Abstract

A frequent consequence of stroke is a limited hand function. Numerous studies have shown, that repetitive passive training enhances the rehabilitation process. As there are high anthropometric variances in hand and finger anatomy, this contribution presents a custom-made hand rehabilitation robot. The individual design is proposed to ensure an ergonomic interface which allows long-time wearing. To provide a cost-effective production, we present an automated design process. The individual fingers are manufactured monolithically using the selective laser sintering of polyamide. The presented device is portable and can be used for training as well as for grasping things.