Researchers at the University of Zielona Góra have developed a robotic orthosis designed for clinical hand rehabilitation, earning international recognition for its innovative, modular approach to treating complex limb mobility issues.
Breakthrough in Robotic Rehabilitation
A team of students led by Zdzisław Wałęga, a lecturer at the University of Zielona Góra’s Institute of Mechanical Engineering, has developed a pioneering robotic device for clinical rehabilitation. The invention is a nominee in the “Eureka! Discovering Polish Inventions” competition organized by Dziennik Gazeta Prawna.
The concept emerged after Wałęga met a stroke survivor who highlighted the significant challenges within the current rehabilitation process. Determined to find a solution, Wałęga began working on a device capable of assisting the recovery of hand mobility.
Consultation-Driven Design Process
Before construction began, the team spent a year consulting with physiotherapists and neurosurgeons across Poland to map the requirements for effective hand rehabilitation. They created a flexible, anatomically accurate cast of a human hand to ensure the device matched real-world physiological needs.
While the project initially focused on finger joints, consultations revealed that a more modular approach was necessary. The final design allows for independent rehabilitation of the fingers, thumb, and wrist, providing tailored support for each component.
Customizable Electronic Control Systems
The orthosis features a proprietary electronic system that offers three distinct settings for each sub-module. This allows for incremental adjustments, enabling the system to slowly increase the range of motion for patients with severe muscle contractions by adjusting cycling, angles, and tension strength.
The system is highly versatile, as each element can operate separately or in various combinations. This allows clinicians to target specific areas, such as the thumb alone, the fingers and wrist, or the thumb and fingers simultaneously.
International Acclaim
The invention has already received significant recognition at international forums. In Zagreb, it was awarded a gold medal and a special prize for the best European invention at the International Innovation Exhibition.
The device also secured a gold medal and a special award from the Ministry of Science and Innovation at a global exhibition in Thailand.