Lightweight robotic arm helps patients to regain arm movement

Researchers from Institute of Technology Massachusetts has developed an experimental robotic arm brace to improve arm mobility in people who are partially paralyzed by strokes. The disease often leaves victims with arm weakness or paralysis on one side of the body. To help those suffering with severe arm problem this robotic arm combines a lightweight elbow brace that slides on the arm. Its computerized sensor system on the front and back of the upper arm detects electrical impulses from the muscles and processes the signals. To generate required power, backpack motor enables arm brace to translate signals into arm movements and also facilitates motion triggered by the patient’s own muscle activity to exercise an arm. The best candidates for the brace are stroke survivors who have some mobility remaining in an arm.