Design and Characterization of the Exo-Skin Haptic Device

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

11:00 AM-12:00 PM

BIOMED Master's Thesis Defense

Title:
Design and Characterization of the Exo-Skin Haptic Device: A Novel Tendon Actuated Textile Hand Exoskeleton

Speaker:
Michael Koerner, MS Candidate, School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems

Advisors:
Andrew Cohen, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Director, Bioimage Lab

Genevieve Dion, Associate Professor, Westphal College of Media Arts and Design, and Director, Shima Seiki Haute Technology Laboratory

Abstract:
Stroke is the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, affecting approximately 5% of the population. Each year, 795,000 persons suffer from a stroke, 77% of which are first attacks. Motor deficit is the most common symptom found post-stroke with paresis of the arms in 75.5% of patients. Loss of motor function in the arms and hands greatly impairs the patient’s ability to perform activities for daily living, resulting in a lower quality of life. Intense and costly outpatient rehabilitation can be utilized to regain lost hand function; however, it is only sought by 30.7% of stroke survivors.

Robotic systems have shown potential to enhance hand rehabilitation outcomes while reducing therapists’ workload and cutting patient costs. However, current exoskeleton systems are plagued with fundamental issues preventing widespread clinical implementation. We present the Exo-Skin system as a solution to these limiting factors. The system includes a seamless 3D knit textile exoskeleton glove, sensing motor units, interface controller, and a web-based user interface. Design, construction, and characterization of the device will be discussed.

Contact Information

Ken Barbee
215-895-1335
barbee@drexel.edu