Ricerc@Sapienza

Monitoring kinematic parameters (e.g., joint angle) is a critical activity in several fast-growing fields such as robotics, rehabilitation, wearable healthcare, etc. The rapidly advancing in organic electronics and electrical sensing techniques have contributed to the development of flexible kinematic sensors which possess unique advantageous properties: outstanding flexibility, low cost and compatibility with large-area processing techniques. The main challenge faced by researchers is the development of non-invasive, soft and comfortable and conformable sensors. The project aims to the improvement and the integration of the foam based sensors realized by the proponent of this project [1] into an innovative data glove able to measure operator¿s hand movement: fingers abduction and adduction; radial and ulnar abduction; fingers flexion and extension; dorsal and palmar flexion. The sensors will be realized starting from a commercial Polyurethane (PU) foam coated with a patented piezoresistive water-based paint [2]. The as obtained sensor will be integrated in a custom-made glove.
[1] A. Rinaldi, et al. Sensors, 2016 IEEE, Orlando 30 Oct-2 Nov. 2016, pp.1-3
[2] Patent WO2016207804 A1