Help Ekso Bionics create a first of its kind magic hand exoskeleton to improve daily living.

We are currently in the very early stages of a revolution in human augmentation, or as The Wall Street Journal called it; “Iron Man” technology. Companies that use robotics to improve human performance are attracting enormous attention. Exoskeletons – wearable robots that can reduce workplace injuries, reduce manufacturing costs and improve human endurance and increase strength – are one such technology. An eksoskeleton is an external covering of the body that provides support and protection.
Exoskeletons have been successfully demonstrated as legs for walking, torso support for lifting, and shoulder support for working overhead, among others. Ekso Bionics has been a pioneer in many of these applications and develops technology to enhance human mobility, strength, and endurance. Interestingly, exoskeletons that augment the human hand have not yet been successfully developed or commercialized. While there are some basic, early stage hand devices in the market, none of these live up to the promise of improving quality of life on a daily basis.

The team will develop an exoskeleton device to provide assistance for the human hand. The target customer for the Magic Hand has moderate to severe weakness in one or both hands that prevents them from performing Activities of Daily Living (ADL). Examples of typical ADLs include : Brushing hair or teeth, opening jars or containers, or eating with a fork or spoon. A successful product will be perceived by the user to dramatically improve the quality of life on a daily basis. To be useful with ADLs, the Magic Hand will augment the wearer’s strength and dexterity, and will need to determine what the wearer’s intent is (what are they trying to do). It should track the user experience and give them data to motivate improvement and augment their ability to function normally on a daily basis.

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