Ontario university developing ‘HERO Glove’ to help rehabilitate stroke, spinal cord patients [Video]

Ontario Tech researcher Dr. Aaron Yurkewich and the HERO Glove

Not all heroes wear capes.

Some use robotics to revolutionize rehabilitation by creating a wearable device – dubbed the Hero Glove – to help patients affected by spinal cord injuries or strokes regain mobility and independence

Ontario Tech University Mechatronics Engineering research Dr. Aaron Yurkewich is blending robotics, haptics and neuroscience to help stroke and spinal cord injury patients regain skills for basic tasks like picking up objects or cutting up food.

Yurkewich, an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at the Oshawa university, invented the Hand Extension Robot Orthosis (HERO) Glove, a battery-powered robotic device whose artificial ‘tendons’ assist patients with tactile control and movement. The glove, which fits over the hand, is activated by either muscle sensors or by shaking, enabling users to hold objects steady.

Yurkewich uses AI technology that works “intuitively” with the user to help people …