Soft robotic wearable restores arm function for people with ALS.

Harvard University John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Kat J. McAlpine

February 3, 2023

A soft robotic wearable designed by researchers at Harvard University's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) and Massachusetts General Hospital can enhance upper arm and shoulder movement in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. SEAS' Tommaso Proietti said the cordless, battery-powered device is "basically a shirt with some inflatable, balloon-like actuators under the armpit. The pressurized balloon helps the wearer combat gravity to move their upper arm and shoulder." A sensor system can detect residual arm movement and calibrate suitable balloon actuator pressurization to help the wearer's arm move seamlessly and naturally. Following 30 seconds of calibration, the researchers found the device improved wearers' range of motion, alleviated muscle fatigue, and boosted performance of tasks like holding or reaching for objects.