Development of upper-limb motion-assist device for high cervical spinal cord injury

We developed an upper limb motion assist device for high cervical spinal cord injury. This device consists of an upper-limb motion-assist mechanism, a control system and a sensor. The upper limb motion assist mechanism has a spring and 4 DC motors. The upper limb is always supported in various postures by the same force as gravity exerts due to the elastic force of the spring. The device can be adjusted for upper limbs of different weight. The three-dimensional position of the wrist and the pronosupination motion are assisted by 4 DC motors controlled by a PC. For self-motion control, an acceleration sensor and switches are applied to measure the head motion. This device can assist with upper-limb motions, such as those required to eat independently in response to the head movements of the user.