Innovative Hand Exoskeleton Design for Extravehicular Activities in Space

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autor Principal: Freni, Pierluigi
Otros autores o Colaboradores: Botta, Eleonora Marina, Randazzo, Luca, Ariano, Paolo
Formato: Libro
Lengua:inglés
Datos de publicación: Cham : Springer International Publishing : Imprint: Springer, 2014.
Series:SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology,
Temas:
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-03958-9
Resumen:Environmental conditions and pressurized spacesuits expose astronauts to problems of fatigue during lengthy extravehicular activities, with adverse impacts especially on the dexterity, force and endurance of the hands and arms. A state-of-the-art exploration in the field of hand exoskeletons revealed that available products are unsuitable for space applications because of their bulkiness and mass. This book proposes a novel approach to the development of hand exoskeletons, based on an innovative soft robotics concept that relies on the exploitation of electroactive polymers operating as sensors and actuators, on a combination of electromyography and mechanomyography for detection of the userâ_Ts will and on neural networks for control. The result is a design that should enhance astronautsâ_T performance during extravehicular activities. In summary, the advantages of the described approach are a low-weight, high-flexibility exoskeleton that allows for dexterity and compliance with the userâ_Ts will.
Descripción Física:xii, 89 p. : il.
ISBN:9783319039589
ISSN:2191-530X
DOI:10.1007/978-3-319-03958-9