An electronic glove, or e-glove, developed by Purdue University researchers can be worn over a prosthetic hand to provide humanlike softness, warmth, appearance and sensory perception. (Credit: Purdue)

An electronic glove can be worn over a prosthetic hand to provide humanlike softness, warmth, appearance and sensory perception, such as the ability to sense pressure, temperature and hydration.

While a conventional prosthetic hand helps restore mobility, the new e-glove advances the technology by offering the realistic human handlike features in daily activities and life roles, with the potential to improve their mental health and well-being by helping them more naturally integrate into social contexts.

The e-glove uses thin, flexible electronic sensors and miniaturized silicon-based circuit chips on the commercially available nitrile glove. The e-glove is connected to a specially designed wristwatch, allowing for real-time display of sensory data and remote transmission to the user for post-data processing.

The fabrication process of the e-glove is cost-effective and manufacturable in high volume, making it an affordable option for users unlike other emerging technologies with mind, voice and muscle control embedded within the prosthetic at a high cost. Additionally, these emerging technologies do not provide the humanlike features that the e-glove provides.

Source 

Topics:
Assistive Robotics Medical

More From SAE Media Group

Tech Briefs
Humanlike E-Glove for Prosthetic Hand Senses Pressure and Temperature
Related article image
Medical Design Briefs INSIDER
Robotics and Prosthetics: Skin-Like Sensors Wrap Around Objects
Related article image
Medical Design Briefs
AI-Powered Exoskeleton Helps Restores Mobility
Related article image
Medical Design Briefs
Technology
Related article image