NASA Grip Force-Multiplying Roboglove

For over 50 years, scientists and engineers at NASA’s Johnson Space center have pioneered technology breakthroughs in computing, medicine, thermal materials, systems engineering and more.  These patented technologies are available through licensing agreements to enable entrepreneurs to create new products.  As reported on CNET's RoadShow, NASA and general motors developed Roboglove as a spin-off technology from Robonaut. It uses Robonaut derived actuation and an external battery power supply.  The glove is intended to assist humans performing repetitive tasks that require significant hand strength for gripping, pulling levers, lifting heavy metal objects and the like.

These tasks typically have to be performed every 30 to 40 seconds and require both high levels of dexterity and hand strength.   A single modular battery unit can be worn on a worker’s belt and power two Robogloves for an 8-hour shift.  Inside the glove are mechanical actuators that pull on synthetic tendons that run across the palm up into the fingers of the glove.  A microcontroller is on the side of the glove and there are a set of sensors at the fingertips and base at the microcontroller.  These communicate to the glove when to grip, by how much and when to open back up. NASA technology can be licensed by your business. More details are here.