This article was taken from the October 2011 issue of Wired
magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before
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glove is not hand-operated -- it operates your hand. Developed by
Italian engineering consortium Idrogenet, in collaboration with the
University of Brescia in Lombardy, the Gloreha glove is designed for use
as a physiotherapy aid to return movement to hands impaired by an
accident or a stroke.
A series of pneumatic cylinders running along the back of the
glove and down each digit allows it to move fingers individually
and together to recreate pointing, grasping, counting and opening
and closing motions.
Electronic sensors linked to software allow the patient to see a
virtual hand showing the movement on a computer screen, and to
program further assisted exercise routines. The software logs
session duration and achievements, and can adjust the next round of
therapy accordingly. The glove is lightweight and its creators
claim it can be set up in minutes by the patient, reducing the need
for direct supervision by a therapist.
Gloreha has been tested on 40 patients -- its creators' goal is
to get the device recognised by the Italian health service, so
that more patients can benefit. Handy.