Smart mobility for arms and hands thanks to robotic systems

The CARBONHAND was designed to support persons with a weak grip and who are unable to flex and extend the fingers of their hand or can only do so with enormous effort. This condition is often caused by multiple sclerosis, a hand injury, or a stroke. The hand orthosis enhances a person’s grip by facilitating a normal movement pattern. If the user touches an object and exerts slight pressure, the device reinforces the pressure and adds extra force.

The CARBONHAND is worn like a glove and covers the thumb, ring, and middle finger. Sensors are attached at the ends where the hand orthosis encloses the fingertips. With the help of artificial tendons, the sensors are connected to a small battery-operated control pack that is worn on the user’s belt. The user’s grip movement is reinforced by shortening the artificial tendons. The level of touch sensitivity and pressure on the sensors can be individually adjusted for each finger by using the app.

"The human hand is a masterpiece, and each one is unique, which means our device must offer different settings to meet the person’s special needs," says Konstanze Hager, CEO of EXXOMOVE. She refers to the functionality and technology of the CARBONHAND as a "bionic hand orthosis" and describes it as "unique".

The BATEO robotic arm is designed for people with paraplegia, advanced muscular dystrophy and other disabilities who can no longer move their arm on their own.

BATEO is attached to an electric wheelchair and operated using the chair’s access controls. It works with different controls including joystick, head, and mouth-controlled input. The device is generally compatible with all newer wheelchair makes and models.

The robotic arm can reach things within a range of up to one meter. Five artificial joints on the device ensure maximum flexibility, enabling users to reach objects within striking distance. The arm also features three flexible fingers as a gripper at the end. The manufacturer guarantees secure gripping of both small and sensitive objects and larger and heavier objects weighing up to one and a half kilograms.

BATEO weighs five kilograms and is relatively small in its footprint, ensuring that it doesn’t add unwanted width to the wheelchair. That’s why it can also be used in tighter spots. What’s more, the finger joints of the robotic arm are very robust. "We don’t want users to spend any time without their robotic arm due to repairs," says Konstanze Hager.