A Novel Variable Stiffness Compliant Finger Exoskeleton for Rehabilitation Based on Electromagnet Control.

Abstract

In this study, we present the design of a variable stiffness finger exoskeleton for hand rehabilitation, to meet the requirements of different human users and versatile rehabilitation task. This paper describes the design principle and fabrication of the variable stiffness finger exoskeleton which combines a variable stiffness beam and a 3D printed compliant finger exoskeleton. Experimental studies have shown that by using the electromagnetic force, exoskeleton stiffness variation is achievable. Therefore, the proposed variable stiffness finger exoskeleton is capable of adapting the versatile tasks and providing a soft, wearable device for hand rehabilitation of different human users.