This robotic glove empowers people with hand paralysis

The saying goes: Necessity is the mother of invention.

The Neomano captures that ethos with its new robotic glove. The wearable tech is designed for people with hand paralysis. It enables users to complete daily tasks that require the grasp and release of objects — like holding a glass of water, brushing their teeth or turning a doorknob. 

The glove is soft, comfortable and lightweight enough to wear throughout the day. It fits over the thumb, index and middle finger. When the user wants to do an activity, like opening a jar, all they have to do is push a button on the remote control. The robotic mechanism in the glove almost works in place of the user’s joints and muscles. 

The Neomano has multiple grips including a C-shape for large objects, a pinch grip for smaller items and a passive release. The robot’s motor even allows users to bend fingers at various degrees of strength.

Those who have hand paralysis caused by spinal cord injury, Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS), multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and nerve injury may be good candidates for the product.

“For the first year after my accident, I wasn’t able to take a photograph,” Rachel Short, a photographer who has a spinal cord injury from a car accident eight years ago, said. “When I heard about the Neomano glove I was just really excited that I might be able to hold my camera or my phone. Right now, when I hold my phone I have to hold with both hands so I take a picture with my mouth or lip or something.” 

Now Short is able to hold her phone, pick up her own food and complete other simple functions she had lost. 

The Neomano is still in its developmental stages. You can learn more and even support this innovative product by contributing to its IndieGoGo campaign

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