Robotic Sleeves Could Help Children With Cerebral Palsy
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Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability in children. The condition, which affects about 1 in 345 children, can make daily activities like walking, eating, or even lifting a cup difficult. A team of researchers from the University of California, Riverside (UCR) hopes to alleviate the daily struggles with robotic clothing that will allow kids with cerebral palsy to better control their arm movements.
Wearable robotic units, like exoskeletons, to help people with mobility issues have been around for many years. However, they are rigid and uncomfortable to wear. The UCR team plans to use lightweight materials to create a robotic sleeve that is cheap, durable, and, most importantly, comfortable to wear on a daily basis.
"Hard materials don't interact well with humans," said Jonathan Realmuto, UCR assistant professor of mechanical engineering and project lead. "What we're going for by using materials like nylon and elastic are essentially robotic garments."
The scientists envision the robotic sleeves to have sealed areas that can be inflated. When filled with air, they would become temporarily rigid and provide the force needed for movement. The clothing will be fitted with sensors to detect small muscle contractions and anticipate what the wearer wants to do. The inflated bladders will then help move the arm to complete the intended action.
"If we can help kids brush their own teeth, pour water or open doors, actions that others take for granted, it's a huge win for them," Realmuto stated in a press release. "But it's also a huge win for their families and caretakers."
The UCR engineers are not the only ones working on soft robotic clothing to help those with motor disabilities. San Francisco-based startup CIONIC is on a similar mission. The company's first product, the CIONIC Neural Sleeve, is designed to improve mobility for people with conditions like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Jeremiah Robison, the founder of CIONIC, was inspired to develop the product after seeing his daughter struggle with cerebral palsy.
Resources: eandt.theiet.org, engadget.com.
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95 Comments
deafgirlhistoryover 2 yearsWow! This is SUPER cool thing to do for kids who have cerebral palsy! If I ever have CP, I would not giving up, just keeping on trying until i`m succeed! Kids who have CP, will just fighting until they feels better!😀
jeanne574over 1 yearCP is caused by significant brain damage during birth or seizure during birth. They also do not feel bad. Exercises can hurt but in general it is not painful. I do not have CP my friend does.
anonymusking12over 2 yearsI don´t think that people with CP can ¨feel better¨ and will have it lifelong. But, this invention will hlp tremendously- deafgirlhistoryover 2 yearsWell...yeah thats true...!
summer_beachover 2 yearsI agree!
mara_loveover 2 yearsI think Your'e born with it doesn't go away...
boba_addictionover 2 yearswhat a great idea! it will be so good to see people who doesn't have normal abilities to finally gain what they wanted! that is so cool, thanks to the people who made these miraculous robots!🥹😄
cyr1420over 2 yearsMy best friend has CP.- deafgirlhistoryover 2 yearsI agree! This will be so cool to see the robotic sleeves in real life!
techfashion0315over 2 yearsTotally!- deafgirlhistoryover 2 yearsI just never heard about the robotic sleeves before in my life, so this will be super new to me!
- techfashion0315over 2 yearsYeah, same!
floridazoeover 2 yearsI've never heard about them either. But after I read this article I realized they're very cool and useful!- deafgirlhistoryover 2 yearsI agree!
musical_nerdover 2 yearsthat is so awesome- techfashion0315over 2 yearsO, my gosh! This could be life changing for some kid! 😄 Super neat!
ilove_holidayzover 2 yearsi have CP, but not that bad at all. Im very glad about this- techfashion0315over 2 yearsOMW!! I didn't know that! Good for you for having such a great attitude! 👍🤩
feenieover 2 yearsCOOL
kitty13515over 2 yearsThat is so cool. What a great idea!
djdragonover 2 yearsCool, bruh
brooklynjover 2 yearsThats so cute! Its amazing to see people help others out because they can't do the most simple stuff. Its ssd to watch them struggle but inspiring to watch them gain strength! This also helps give hope in humanity because he spent alot of time to make that! ANYWHO HAVE A GRRAT DAY Y'ALL BAI!
chloe_6109over 2 yearsThis is soo cute! It's so cute how her dad did this for her!