The Soft Extra Muscle system for improving the grasping capability in neurological rehabilitation

TLDR

The study introduces the SEM Glove, a soft, task‑independent aid that automatically enhances human grasping capability. The SEM Glove mimics biological mechanisms, operates symbiotically with the human system, and is described in terms of its physical design and system architecture. The glove can support other body regions and provides control and strengthening effects without requiring an external exoskeleton.

Abstract

This paper introduces the SEM Glove (Soft Extra Muscle Glove), a comfortable aid which automatically improves the grasping capability of a human independently of the particular task being performed. The technical solution partly mimics a biological solution and at the same time functions in symbiosis with the biological system. The technical invention is also applicable to other parts or regions of the human body that might need supporting forces or torques. A key feature is that a controlling and strengthening effect is achieved without the need for an external mechanical structure in the form of an exoskeleton. The paper includes a description of the physical design, the contents and the system design.