Preliminary evaluation of the helping hand electro-mechanical arm

Issue title: Robotics

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sheredos, Saleem J.^{a; *} | Taylor, Barry^a | Cobb, Christopher B.^b | Dann, Edward E.^b

Affiliations: [a] Technology Transfer Rehab R&D, Department of Veterans Affairs, 103 South Gay Street, Baltimore, MD 21202, USA | [b] Kinetic Rehabilitation Instruments, 155 Webster St., Suite J., Hanover, MA 02339, USA

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 410 9621800; fax: + 1 410 9629670; e-mail: saleem@baltrehab.med.va.gov.

Abstract: Robots can serve as interactive aids for performing personal and vocational activities and improve the quality of life for persons with severe mobility impairments. A major challenge has been making this technology functional, practical, and affordable. A technology transfer process is presently underway to validate the safety, reliability and effectiveness of the Helping Hand Electro-mechanical Arm. This paper discusses the preliminary clinical evaluation and technology transfer procedure for the Helping Hand system.

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Quadriplegia, Self help devices, Vocational rehabilitation, Robotics

DOI: 10.3233/TAD-1996-5210

Journal: Technology and Disability, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 229-232, 1996