Robotic glove helps people live independently for longer

Lightweight and powered by AI, the glove is designed for wearers with a range of physical conditions

Spotted: UK biotech startup BioLiberty’s first product is an assistive grip device and smart platform designed to support people to live independently for as long as possible. Founded by four engineering students, the robotic glove uses artificial intelligence to increase the wearer’s grip strength. As the nerves stimulate muscles in the hands, the glove measures and records the associated electrical activity. The AI system converts a combination of the type of grip and intention for movement into force, allowing wearers of the glove to complete daily tasks more easily.

Created in response to one of the founders’ personal experiences with a family member’s multiple sclerosis diagnosis, the glove explicitly makes day-to-day activities such as driving, turning switches and appliances on and off, making and drinking hot drinks and opening jars easy to do. Loss of muscle mass occurs for a variety of reasons, including ageing, degenerative and neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, and incidences such as a stroke.

By using robotic technology, the glove eliminates the need for heavy wires and motors, making it lightweight enough for everyday use. When linked to the accompanying digital therapy platform, the glove helps wearers to complete essential physical therapy exercises to further increase their independence. The startup is now being supported by the Edinburgh Business School’s Incubator at Heriot-Watt University.

Accessibility is crucial to creating the future most people dream of, and Springwise has spotted a number of projects making a difference, from a conceptual bus redesign to paid internships for people over the age of 55.

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