The Hybrid Fluidic Driven Upper Limb Orthosis - Orthojacket

Abstract

The project OrthoJacket (OrthoJacket=orthosis jacket) aims at the development of a modular, active orthosis as a portable system for the upper extremity for high tetraplegic spinal cord injured (SCI). The system combines joint stabilisation, external power from flexible fluidic actuators (FFA) with inherent compliance, a grasping function, realised by functional electrical stimulation (FES) and a natural control system that allows the tetraplegic user to regain independence. This article introduces the modular hybrid neuroorthosis OrthoJacket.