Abstract
This paper proposes a methodology from the conception to the manufacture of soft wearable devices (SWD). This methodology seeks to unify medical, therapeutic and engineering guidelines for research, development and innovation. The aforementioned methodology is divided into two stages (A and B) and four phases. Stage A only includes phase 1 to identify the main necessity for a patient that will define the target of its associated device. Stage B encompasses phases 2, 3 and 4. The development of three models (virtual, mathematical and experimental physical) of the required device is addressed in phase 2. Phase 3 concerns the control and manufacture of the experimental physical model (EPM). Phase 4 focuses on the EPM experimental validation. As a result of this methodology, 13 mobility, 11 usability and 3 control iterative design criteria for SWD are reported. Moreover, more than 50 products are provided on a technological platform with modular architectures that facilitate SWD diversification. A case study related to a soft mobilizer for upper limb rehabilitation is reported. Nevertheless, this methodology can be implemented in different areas and accelerates the transition from development to innovation.
Highlights
In the last decade, soft robots have drastically expanded their domain in the medical field.soft wearable devices (SWDs) are aid systems that merge robotics and wearable technology in order to overcome human disabilities [1]
SWD rehabilitation and assistance tasks have been mainly focused on regaining joints range of motion (ROM) through exercise routines
This paper proposes a design methodology which comprises the conception and manufacturing of SWD oriented to a specific necessity based on bottom-top methodologies (BTM) [25,26]
Summary
Soft wearable devices (SWDs) are aid systems that merge robotics and wearable technology in order to overcome human disabilities [1]. These systems are manufactured with materials that are characterized for their flexibility, adaptability, lightness and increasingly large deformations [2]. These features allow comfortable structures that fit with the limbs and emulate joints motions. SWD rehabilitation and assistance tasks have been mainly focused on regaining joints range of motion (ROM) through exercise routines. SWDs help patients to recover self-esteem and independence to execute the activities of daily living and act as a supportive aid for therapists [3]
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