Project objectives
The extent of disability resulting from a traumatic event can vary greatly depending on the type (e.g., complete or incomplete) and site of the injury; in the most severe cases, a person's sensory and motor functions may be completely compromised, with a total or near-total loss of residual motor skills and sensory perception. The young age of those most affected (on average, under 35) creates a pressing need to pursue the development of systems that can restore autonomy and independence in daily living activities, spanning a long life expectancy.
The BioARM project aims to improve the motor function of patients with brachial plexus injuries through the introduction of a new, fully wearable, active upper limb orthosis for assistive applications in everyday life scenarios.
The BioARM orthosis will consist of numerous innovative design elements and additional modules, which can be integrated according to the patient's needs. Among these, the orthosis, created using additive manufacturing techniques, will feature:
- a functional electrical stimulation system
- an orthosis control system that will allow the integration of information from motion sensors and bio-signals
- a wearable sensory feedback system to provide information on the interaction of the limb with the external environment.
The set of orthosis modules will allow the creation of a useful tool in daily care scenarios but also potentially supporting the rehabilitation process of patients with upper limb disabilities.
Start and end date
|
November 2020 - October 2023 |
Scientific responsibility
|
prof Loredana Zollo |
Coordinating institution of the project
|
Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies, Institute of BioRobotics (SSSA) |
Other participants
|
INAIL Prosthetics Center – Budrio |
Funding source
|
INAIL |
