’Smart glove’ can boost hand mobility of stroke patients

UBC electrical and computer engineering Peyman Servati demonstrating the smart glove. Photo credit: Lou Bosshart/UBC Media Relations Science, Health & Technology Lou Corpuz-Bosshart New washable wireless smart textile technology developed at UBC in collaboration with Vancouver startup also has potential uses in virtual reality and American Sign Language translation. This month, a group of stroke survivors in B.C. will test a new technology designed to aid their recovery, and ultimately restore use of their limbs and hands. Participants will wear a new groundbreaking "smart glove" capable of tracking their hand and finger movements during rehabilitation exercises supervised by Dr. Janice Eng, a leading stroke rehabilitation specialist and professor of medicine at UBC. The glove incorporates a sophisticated network of highly sensitive sensor yarns and pressure sensors that are woven into a comfortable stretchy fabric, enabling it to track, capture and wirelessly transmit even the smallest hand and finger movements. "With this glove, we can monitor patients' hand and finger movements without the need for cameras. We can then analyze and fine-tune their exercise programs for the best possible results, even remotely," says Dr. Eng.