Inflatable exoskeleton could build strength in injured wrists

An exoskeleton powered by air can flex the wrists with a rotation approaching that of the natural joints. Such a device could help people rehabilitate from wrist-related injuries at home by building strength.

Katalin Schäffer at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and her colleagues used balloon-like materials to create inflatable artificial muscles for their exoskeleton. These can be blown up with air to move components within the device.

When assessed in lab tests, the exoskeleton rotated a mock-up…