Soft, Rigid, and Hybrid Robotic Exoskeletons for Hand Rehabilitation: Roadmap with Impairment-Oriented Rationale for Devices Design and Selection

In recent decades, extensive attention has been paid to the study and development of robotic devices specifically designed for hand rehabilitation. Accordingly, a many concepts concerning rigid, soft, and hybrid types have emerged in the literature, with significant ongoing activity being directed towards the development of new solutions. In this context, the paper focuses on the technical features of devices conceived for the robotic rehabilitation of the hand with reference to the three kinds of exoskeleton architecture and the clinical requirements demanded by the target impairment of the end-user. The work proposes a roadmap (i) for both the design and selection of exoskeletons for hand rehabilitation, (ii) to discriminate among the peculiarities of soft, rigid, and hybrid devices, and (iii) with an impairment-oriented rationale. The clinical requirements expected for an exoskeleton are identified by applying a PICO-inspired approach focused on the impairment analysis; the technical features are extracted from a proposed design process for exoskeletons combined with a narrative literature review. A cross-analysis between device families and features is presented to provide a supporting tool for both the design and selection of exoskeletons according to an impairment-oriented rationale.

Automated summary

In recent decades, there has been extensive research and development of robotic devices for hand rehabilitation. This paper focuses on the technical features of these devices and proposes a roadmap for their design and selection, considering the clinical requirements based on the target impairment. The study provides a cross-analysis of device families and features, aiming to support the design and selection of exoskeletons according to an impairment-oriented rationale.