Researchers Built a Technology That Helps People with ALS
Mickey Phoon — February 9, 2023 — Tech
References: seas.harvard.edu
Researchers from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have developed a medical technology as a robotic wearable to help patients who suffer from ALS to move with ease. The founder of the Harvard Biodesign Lab spoke on the researchers' work, saying: “This study gives us hope that soft robotic wearable technology might help us develop new devices capable of restoring functional limb abilities in people with ALS and other diseases that rob patients of their mobility.”
The wearable technology functions by using a sensor that detects residual movement in the arm and calculates the pressurization of the balloon actuator to move the patient's arm, which can patient’s improve range of motion and daily performance. The technology is shaped like a shirt associated with inflatable balloon-shaped actuators underneath the armpit. The material is made out of soft fabric and is light in weight to allow comfort for patients. This current prototype is only able to function on patients who still have little residual movements in their shoulder area.
Image Credit: Walsh Lab, Harvard SEAS
The wearable technology functions by using a sensor that detects residual movement in the arm and calculates the pressurization of the balloon actuator to move the patient's arm, which can patient’s improve range of motion and daily performance. The technology is shaped like a shirt associated with inflatable balloon-shaped actuators underneath the armpit. The material is made out of soft fabric and is light in weight to allow comfort for patients. This current prototype is only able to function on patients who still have little residual movements in their shoulder area.
Image Credit: Walsh Lab, Harvard SEAS
Trend Themes
1. Soft Robotic Wearable Technology - The development of robotic wearable technology that is soft and lightweight offers opportunities for disruptive innovations in the medical industry for assisting patients with mobility impairments.
2. Sensors for Residual Movement - The incorporation of sensors that detect residual movement in patients with ALS and other mobility diseases offers opportunities for disruptive innovations in medical technology for improving the range of motion and daily performance of affected individuals.
3. Balloon Actuators for Mobility Assistance - The use of balloon actuators in medical wearable technology presents opportunities for disruptive innovations in the healthcare industry for assisting patients with mobility impairments to improve their daily activities.
Industry Implications
1. Medical Equipment and Devices - The medical equipment and devices industry can benefit from the development and innovation of soft robotic wearable technology for patients with mobility issues, including ALS and other mobility diseases.
2. Healthcare Services - The healthcare services industry can utilize the incorporation of sensors and balloon actuators in medical wearable technology for patients with mobility impairments, allowing for better patient outcomes and an improved quality of life.
3. Research and Development - The research and development industry can explore new and innovative ways to improve the functionality of soft robotic wearable technology for patients with mobility impairments and expand the potential for this technology in other areas of healthcare.
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