McArm

Description

For individuals with an affected arm and/or hand function an arm support can be an important support in the everyday ability to manipulate objects in the environment. Existing arm supports however are mainly passive or need to be actively controlled through in the vertical direction.
The McArm project will develop an innovative arm support which is not only active but is also controlled through intuitive force exertion (minimal arm movements). For this the remaining movement potential of the user is used through a haptic interface.
Besides the use of the system as assistive device the new system offers training capacities. Individuals with impaired arm function can use the system to support restoration of arm function through dedicated training, in addition to intensive therapy. The haptic interface provides high level feedback on the movement of the user and therewith on the required nature of training.

Aditional information