Byung-Cheol “BC” Min is an assistant professor of computer and information technology and a founder and director of the Smart Machine and Assistive Robotics Technology (SMART) Lab (www.smart-laboratory.org). He and colleagues in Purdue’s College of Engineering are channeling their ingenuity and problem-solving skills to make life better for people with prosthetic hands.
The researchers are developing an electronic glove (e-glove) that fits over an artificial hand to enhance the prosthetic’s capabilities while appearing more realistic. Electronic sensors fitted inside the e-glove detect pressure, temperature and hydration. A connected digital tracker worn on the wrist displays sensory data. In addition to receiving stimuli, the e-glove can be made in a number of skin colors and even emit warmth.
Min and his colleagues believe the manufacturing process of the e-glove can be cost-effective and affordable. He hopes the e-glove can improve the mental health of amputation patients by reducing any self-consciousness their artificial limbs might cause them to have.
See the full Purdue Research Foundation story.
Additional information:
- Electronic glove offers ‘humanlike’ features for prosthetic hand users (Purdue Research Foundation)