Carbonhand: Getting a better grip and revolutionising hand function

Combining advanced technology and innovative design, this grip-strengthening, robotic glove offers newfound independence and enhanced quality of life to those who struggle with hand strength and dexterity. In this article, we will explore the product, who might benefit from Carbonhand, and describe the main features of this revolutionary medical device.

Carbonhand has been described as a soft robotic glove that, when worn, can enable a user to form and sustain a functional grip. It basically amplifies the user’s natural grip when this has been weakened by a health care condition.

What is unique about Carbonhand is that through intelligent placement of sensors and adaptive control software it allows the user to have a very natural and responsive grip. Other products that support gripping tend to operate as a “switch” – they are either fully on fully off. A Carbonhand user can fine tune the response of the glove to provide just the level of support needed for a particular job. For example, want a firm grip on a garden implement? Not a problem. Now you want to pick up a paper clip? Not a problem.

The system is designed to support various hand sizes and is equipped with pressure sensors, “artificial tendons” that run through an “umbilical cord” to a “control unit”. The glove connects to a control pack via this umbilical cord that conveys both the control signals for operation and the tendons that activate the grip. The sensors in the glove detect when the user is trying to grip an object and the sensor’s signals are received by the control pack. These signals are used to activate the tendons so that a suitably strong grip is formed. There is a small control pad on the glove that can be used to operate the glove and an App (IOS or Android) can be used to fine-tune the operation. You can even us a remote button plugged into the control unit to activate the glove Who can benefit from Carbonhand?

It is estimated that millions of people in the UK suffer from conditions that can result in weak or absent grip and poor hand function. These include Stroke, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Spinal Cord Injury, Brachial Plexus Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury, Peripheral Nerve Injury, Multiple Sclerosis, Traumatic Hand Injury, Rheumatoid and OsteoArthritis, Cerebral Palsy and more.

Carbonhand has the potential to positively impact the lives of these individuals by providing them with the support they need to regain a greater level of independence and improve their quality of life. Being able to form a grip and hold onto objects is fundamental to many self-care activities.

As the population ages, and the prevalence of conditions affecting hand function increases, the demand for assistive devices like Carbonhand is expected to grow significantly. Of course not everyone with a hand function problem will be able to use the Carbonhand. As with all medical devices there are indications and contraindications for use. However, there are few absolute contraindications to use – perhaps the primary one being oedema following surgery when the clinician advises against mobilisation.

From the beginning

The journey of Carbonhand began in the early 2000s with Hans von Holst, a neurologist at Karolinska Hospital, who often encountered patients with severely reduced strength and mobility in their hands. Teaming up with Jan Wikander, Professor of Mechatronics, they began developing a glove that could help strengthen hand grip. This collaboration led to the creation of the first Servoglove, the predecessor of Carbonhand. Anatomical Concepts were involved in the early UK introduction of the “SEM Glove” back in 2014. They loved the concept and the mission of the Bioservo team. Many individuals reached out to try it but this first generation product proved to have a narrow range of application. For example, the SEM Glove relied on sensors in the fingertips and thumb that were not always ideally placed for individual users to operate the glove. The glove itself was stiff with the artificial tendons very prominent in the palm.

Over the years, the design has evolved to better cater to the needs of individuals with weak grip. The SEM glove and the first Carbonhand were effective for users with some ability to both flex and extend their fingers, but not for those with more severe disabilities. To address these limitations, the latest generation of Carbonhand was developed with a different array of sensors, an easy-to-don and doff glove, and an improved control app that allows users to personalise the performance of the glove and benefit from its therapeutic potential.

The manufacturer, Bioservo from Sweden, are also involved in the creation for products to enhance the grip of individuals involved in manual labour and tasks in the workplace that have the potential to lead to strain and injury.

This experience and know how has been brought to bear in the newest Carbonhand design.

Close to 200 patients have been involved in studies using the Carbonhand either as an assistive product or as a tool for rehabilitation. Across many health conditions, the Carbonhand and has consistently delivered improvements in most outcome measures including grip strength, overall hand function and quality of life. The spectrum of health conditions studied have included stroke, MS, peripheral nerve injuries, brachial plexus injuries, trauma, spinal cord injury and weakness related to age.

Carbonhand is a game-changing assistive device that offers life-enhancing support to people with weak grip and poor hand function in the UK. With its innovative design and advanced technology, Carbonhand is revolutionising the lives of countless individuals around the world and empowering them to regain their independence and enjoy a higher quality of life. Anatomical Concepts will be taking the Carbonhand ‘on the road’ in June, offering both clinical training and personal demos.You can contact them through anatomicalconcepts.com to find out more or to enquire about a visit.