Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have developed medical technology as a robotic wearable that helps patients suffering from ALS move with ease. The founder of the Harvard Biodesign Lab said of the researchers’ work: their mobility. ”
The wearable technology works using sensors that detect movement of the rest of the arm and can calculate pressure on the balloon actuator to move the patient’s arm, improving the patient’s range of motion and daily performance. . The technology is shaped like a shirt associated with inflatable balloon-shaped actuators under the armpits. The material is made of soft fabric, lightweight and considering patient comfort. This current prototype can only work for patients who still have little movement in the shoulder area.
Image Credit: Walsh Lab, Harvard SEAS