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  • Book
  • © 2014

Innovative Hand Exoskeleton Design for Extravehicular Activities in Space

Authors:

  1. Pierluigi Freni

    1. Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of Turin, Torino, Italy

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  2. Eleonora Marina Botta

    1. Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

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  3. Luca Randazzo

    1. Control and Computer Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Torino, Italy

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  4. Paolo Ariano

    1. Center for Space Human Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology, Torino, Italy

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  • Proposes a novel approach to the development of hand exoskeletons
  • Presents a detailed comparison between hard robotics and soft robotics actuation/sensing systems
  • Describes the concept for implementation of a new actuator, based on smart materials
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Applied Sciences and Technology (BRIEFSAPPLSCIENCES)

Part of the book sub series: PoliMI SpringerBriefs (BRIEFSPOLIMI)

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Table of contents (6 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xii
    PDF

  2. Introduction

    • Pierluigi Freni, Eleonora Marina Botta, Luca Randazzo, Paolo Ariano
    Pages 1-2

  3. Users’ Requirements

    • Pierluigi Freni, Eleonora Marina Botta, Luca Randazzo, Paolo Ariano
    Pages 3-16

  4. State of the Art

    • Pierluigi Freni, Eleonora Marina Botta, Luca Randazzo, Paolo Ariano
    Pages 17-29

  5. The Soft Robotics Approach

    • Pierluigi Freni, Eleonora Marina Botta, Luca Randazzo, Paolo Ariano
    Pages 31-61

  6. Concept Layout

    • Pierluigi Freni, Eleonora Marina Botta, Luca Randazzo, Paolo Ariano
    Pages 63-84

  7. Conclusions

    • Pierluigi Freni, Eleonora Marina Botta, Luca Randazzo, Paolo Ariano
    Pages 85-89
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About this book

Environmental conditions and pressurized spacesuits expose astronauts to problems of fatigue during lengthy extravehicular activities, with adverse impacts especially on the dexterity, force and endurance of the hands and arms. A state-of-the-art exploration in the field of hand exoskeletons revealed that available products are unsuitable for space applications because of their bulkiness and mass. This book proposes a novel approach to the development of hand exoskeletons, based on an innovative soft robotics concept that relies on the exploitation of electroactive polymers operating as sensors and actuators, on a combination of electromyography and mechanomyography for detection of the user’s will and on neural networks for control. The result is a design that should enhance astronauts’ performance during extravehicular activities. In summary, the advantages of the described approach are a low-weight, high-flexibility exoskeleton that allows for dexterity and compliance with the user’s will.
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Keywords

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Authors and Affiliations

  • Applied Science and Technology, Polytechnic University of Turin, Torino, Italy

    Pierluigi Freni

  • Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Canada

    Eleonora Marina Botta

  • Control and Computer Engineering, Polytechnic University of Turin, Torino, Italy

    Luca Randazzo

  • Center for Space Human Robotics, Italian Institute of Technology, Torino, Italy

    Paolo Ariano

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Buy it now

eBook USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

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