A preliminary investigation into the design of pressure cushions and their potential applications for forearm robotic orthoses.

Journal: Biomedical engineering online
PMID: 28482892

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Load cells are often used in rehabilitation robotics to monitor human-robot interaction. While load cells are accurate and suitable for the stationary end-point robots used in rehabilitation hospitals, their cost and inability to conform to the shape of the body hinder their application in developing affordable and wearable robotic orthoses for assisting individuals in the activities of daily living. This exploratory work investigates the possibility of using an alternative technology, namely compliant polymeric air cushions, to measure interaction forces between the user and a wearable rigid structure.

Authors

  • N Alavi
    Menrva Research Group, School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, 250-13450-102 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada.
  • S Zampierin
    Menrva Research Group, School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, 250-13450-102 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada.
  • M Komeili
    Menrva Research Group, School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, 250-13450-102 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada.
  • S Cocuzza
    CISAS-Center of Studies and Activities for Space, University of Padua, Via Gradenigo 6/a, 35131, Padua, Italy.
  • S Debei
    Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Venezia 1, Padua, Italy.
  • C Menon
    Menrva Research Group, School of Mechatronic Systems Engineering and Engineering Science, Simon Fraser University, 250-13450-102 Avenue, Surrey, BC, V3T 0A3, Canada. cmenon@sfu.ca.

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