Development of IoT-Based, Origami-Inspired Wearable Rehabilitation Device for Wrist-Finger Mobility Rehabilitation

Abstract

There are various upper-extremities rehabilitation systems available to cater for various communities-in-need. Majority of these systems have only a single pre-programmed protocol. This paper aims to design and develop an affordable (~MYR 230), light-weight (~250 g) exoskeleton system where the transmission mechanism is based on elements of origami string technique. The features of the system include light-mass; passive movement rehabilitation of the finger (flexion-extension at MCP and PIP joints) and wrist (extension at radiocarpal joint); user-centric rehabilitation protocols; status review of rehabilitation. The system also incorporated sensing systems (flex sensors) to record various biomechanical measurements; control system (ESP32); actuator system (MG995 servo motors) alongside with a mobile application that allows the user to select the rehabilitation protocols, view rehabilitation progress and learn how to fold origami models. It is anticipated that this development will be a platform to further explore on the adaptation of origami techniques in development of rehabilitation devices.