News

Gold Medal: Exoskeleton Hand Robotic Training Device

Principal Investigator: Dr Raymond Tong Kai-yu,

Department of Health Technology and Informatics

 

Jointly developed by the Department of Health Technology and Informatics and the Industrial Centre, this rehabilitation device is specially made for stroke patients to actively recover their hand functions by using exoskeleton robot with muscle signals. It detects the intention of hand opening or hand closing from the stroke patient using his/her muscle signals measured by surface electromyography (EMG) from the hemiplegic side. The sophisticated device is made up of an embedded controller and a robotic hand module. It allows much flexibility as each finger assembly can also be adjusted to fit for different finger length. With the use of this light and portable robotic device, stroke patients can practise more easily for the opening and closing of hands at their own will, and handle functional daily living tasks at ease.

 

The Principal Investigator Dr Raymond Tong is dedicated to the study of advanced rehabilitation technology for stroke patients. He has also played a key role in the research and development of PolyJbot, a rehabilitation system driven by human intention, with applications in a wide range of settings from hospitals and clinics to elderly home. In 2008, Dr Tong was honoured by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers with the HKIE Innovation Award for Young Member in recognition of his distinguished accomplishment.