Able
Able
Reimagining stroke rehabilitation through a soft wearable exoskeleton design that helps survivors move, recover, and live independently with dignity.
Reimagining stroke rehabilitation through a soft wearable exoskeleton design that helps survivors move, recover, and live independently with dignity.
Year
2024
Mode
Team
Category
Medical Device
Product Duration
4 Weeks
Context
Context
A stroke can take away something most of us take for granted- the ability to use our own hands.
ABLE reimagines rehabilitation through a soft wearable exoskeleton that helps survivors regain movement, confidence, and independence, while exploring how assistive technology can feel like an extension of the body rather than a machine.
A stroke can take away something most of us take for granted- the ability to use our own hands.
ABLE reimagines rehabilitation through a soft wearable exoskeleton that helps survivors regain movement, confidence, and independence, while exploring how assistive technology can feel like an extension of the body rather than a machine.
Research
Research
Working closely with therapists, caregivers, and stroke survivors, we explored the realities of rehabilitation from hospital to home.
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The research revealed that recovery depends as much on comfort, accessibility, and motivation as it does on technology, exposing the gap between clinical effectiveness and everyday usability.
Working closely with therapists, caregivers, and stroke survivors, we explored the realities of rehabilitation from hospital to home.
|
The research revealed that recovery depends as much on comfort, accessibility, and motivation as it does on technology, exposing the gap between clinical effectiveness and everyday usability.
Analysis
Analysis
The challenge extended beyond restoring movement. Existing devices were often bulky, uncomfortable, or dependent on caregiver assistance, discouraging consistent use.
The opportunity was to create a rehabilitation tool that feels intuitive, ergonomic, and comfortable enough to become part of everyday life.
The challenge extended beyond restoring movement. Existing devices were often bulky, uncomfortable, or dependent on caregiver assistance, discouraging consistent use.
The opportunity was to create a rehabilitation tool that feels intuitive, ergonomic, and comfortable enough to become part of everyday life.
Conceptualization
Conceptualization
The design evolved from a mechanical device into a wearable system inspired by the anatomy of the hand.
Exploring cable-driven, pneumatic, and soft robotic approaches led to a fabric-based actuator that prioritizes flexibility, comfort, and independent use without compromising functional support.
The design evolved from a mechanical device into a wearable system inspired by the anatomy of the hand.
Exploring cable-driven, pneumatic, and soft robotic approaches led to a fabric-based actuator that prioritizes flexibility, comfort, and independent use without compromising functional support.
Development
Development
The glove was refined through iterative prototyping, CAD development, and ergonomic testing.
Every decision—from the fit and pressure distribution to the donning process and EMG-assisted control system—was guided by a single objective: delivering responsive assistance without sacrificing comfort or independence.
The glove was refined through iterative prototyping, CAD development, and ergonomic testing.
Every decision—from the fit and pressure distribution to the donning process and EMG-assisted control system—was guided by a single objective: delivering responsive assistance without sacrificing comfort or independence.
Impact
Impact
ABLE is a soft robotic hand exoskeleton that supports rehabilitation through natural, everyday interaction.
Combining lightweight wearable design with EMG-assisted movement, it encourages consistent use while helping survivors regain confidence and independence.
The project also culminated in the publication of a Springer research paper, validating the innovation through academic research.
ABLE is a soft robotic hand exoskeleton that supports rehabilitation through natural, everyday interaction.
Combining lightweight wearable design with EMG-assisted movement, it encourages consistent use while helping survivors regain confidence and independence.
The project also culminated in the publication of a Springer research paper, validating the innovation through academic research.
Reflections
Reflections
Thinking
More Works More Works
Let'S WORK
TOGETHER
BASED IN INDIA,
ASIA
PRODUCT Designer
+ EXPERIENCE Designer
Available for freelance work in product design, branding, visuals, and creative direction. If you have an idea worth building,
let’s change the world.
Let'S WORK
TOGETHER
BASED IN INDIA,
ASIA
PRODUCT Designer
+ EXPERIENCE Designer
Available for freelance work in product design, branding, visuals, and creative direction. If you have an idea worth building,
let’s change the world.
Let'S WORK
TOGETHER