Robotic hand aids stroke recovery

A robotic exoskeleton designed to support the rehabilitation of stoke patients is being developed as part of a pioneering new collaborative project in the UK.

To help patients recover their natural hand and arm movements after a stroke the robotic device acts as a rehabilitation aid that can be used without the need for physiotherapists.

The NeuRestore project uses inexpensive EEG (electroencephalogram) devices, algorithmic modelling, and motor imagery to assess when a patient intends to make a movement, with a paired robotic hand then able to move in response to the brain signals. The patient can also see the hand move using VR, providing a critical visual of the movement as they rebuild their motor and cognitive health.

Backed by Innovate UK funding, the NeuRestore project is being led by the Essex Innovation Centre, a strategic tie up between the University of Essex and TWI, along with consortium partners Generic Robotics and Castalia Innovation.

Panos Chatzakos, Director of the Essex Innovation Centre, said: “This project is enabled by the complementary expertise and experience of the consortium partners who, together, are combining their knowledge of advanced medical technologies development and application to deliver a brand new support system for stroke patients, that is both affordable and proven effective at making a real difference to people’s recovery.”