Remedial Physiotherapy Rehab Hand

Project Title

Remedial Physiotherapy Rehab Hand

Project Area of Specialization Mechatronics EngineeringProject Summary

An exoskeleton based Physiotherapic Robotic Hand does the work of a human Physiotherapist easier by making it possible to conduct their procedure and treatment on patients through an unlimited distance without physically interacting with them.

Worn on the affected hand and controlled by a doctor, the advanced mechanism of exoskeleton forces the stressed hand and joints to make movements on the order of doctor who is located on a distance, controlling it through his computer.

This easily accessible and formally affordable Interactive device is adjustable for every person of size and disability. Designed to be easily operable by any operator and doctor.

Project Objectives

The objectives of the current work are stated below;

•To sketch 3D model in Computer Aided Design.

•To generate and assemble the skeletal prototype with experimental components.

•To make use of image processing on AI based hardware

To inaugurate working software and control system to administer exoskeleton.

Project Implementation Method

As stated previously the project is divided into four objectives each objective has been implemented through time.
The four objectives of the project are:
•To sketch 3D model in Computer Aided Design.
•To generate and assemble the skeletal prototype with experimental components.
•To make use of image processing on AI based hardware
•To inaugurate working software and control system to administer exoskeleton.

Each objective has been implemented in timely manner and keeping financial goal in mind. Starting from designing the personalized parts in Computer-Aided Manufacturing followed by getting them 3-D printed. The parts to be 3D-printed are five fingerprints and two wrist supports while rest of the hand is covered with a custom mad fabric glove keeping the comfort of the patient in mind.

The next step is to customize the electronic components including motors, batteries, Veroboard, Arduino, jumper wires, switch and a few others. Each of these parts are assembled in a circuit manner end attached on wrist support previously 3-D printed. The device is experimentally turned on to look for any flaws and miscalculations while getting operated manually

On the other hand work on Image-processing is done to control the project in an AI- based hardware.. Image processing uses a laptop camera while also remaining connected to the original device to control the motors as actuators. Software and important code is uploaded on the hardware to make the final project work through computer. Finishing touches include making the device look cleaner and sleek by proper material and custom designed exterior covers.

Benefits of the Project

Challenges faced by physiotherapists normally led to the invention of Interactive Hand Aid. Following are those difficulties listed:

•Lack Of Supportive Talent Available To Physiotherapists:
 Searching useful, experienced, and skilled assistants has become a challenging task for physiotherapists. Lack of supportive talent is one of the main challenges faced by physiotherapists. One auspicious resolution is to use digitalization for this problem. 
 
•Burn Out/Stress in patients and physiotherapists:
  Physiotherapy can be very exhausting. Working long hours shifts can cause severe restlessness to physiotherapists while performing the given complex physical exercises can be frustrating for patient aswell . This pressure can generate feelings of burn out and could be very draining mentally
  
•Emotional Stress among paralysis and stroke stricken individual:
Physiotherapists work very closely with patients. The close and long working hours with the patients can leave physiotherapists emotionally drained while the treatments can traumatize the patients in many ways.

All problems stated above, including the physical availability of an on-point present physiotherapist can be tackled with this simple origination of RPRH. Besides the fact that it authorizes the operator to work from the comfort of their home, it saves the emotional and physical energy needed to face the patient sensibily and physically. Portability and minimalist controls make it easy to be controlled by any non-experienced user. Its' budget friendly price economizes the overall treatment and nursing. An interactive rehabilitate arm has implementation in almost all medical fields. 

The application of the project can go beyond physiotherapy. It can make its place into the evolution of prosthetic limbs for handicapped, incapacited and disabled people as well as robots.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The project is divided into four deliverables
1. Designing the custom Model for 3-D printing
2. Assembling the personalized components together. Including electrical components and newly 3-D printed parts
3. Developing code for image processing to be used on a AI based hardware.
4. To inaugurate working software and control system to administer exoskeleton.

As the project is based on a prosthetic hand and forearm, it contains a hollow glove partially 3D printed and electrical components assembled together to work mechanically. The first deliverable has three custom parts printed: one thumb tip and four other fingertips. It also includes two parts for wrist and a support slack for the electronic components to be kept on. Each 3-D printed fingertip is joined to the wrist part by string or a thread to work as actuation.

Through the second deliverable, electrical components are assembled together including servo motors, batteries, Veroboard, jumper wires, Arduino, switch and voltmeter. All the components are attached between two 3-D printed wrist rings and the project is experimentally assembled.

Project uses Image processing to mimic the hand gesture of human and forces the patient (wearing the glove) to move her hand in the same way as the controller. Image processing is coded And used through a laptop camera. The third and fourth deliverables include coding the image processing and software, uploading it to the project to integrate it.

Final Deliverable of the Project Hardware SystemCore Industry MedicalOther IndustriesCore Technology Artificial Intelligence(AI)Other TechnologiesSustainable Development Goals Industry, Innovation and InfrastructureRequired Resources

Item Name	Type	No. of Units	Per Unit Cost (in Rs)	Total (in Rs)
			Total in (Rs)	31000
UNO	Equipment	2	2000	4000
PCB	Equipment	1	5000	5000
SG90	Equipment	10	350	3500
CELL	Equipment	10	100	1000
WIRES	Equipment	50	10	500
3D PRINTING	Equipment	7	1500	10500
MISCELLANEOUS	Miscellaneous	1	6500	6500