Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation Robots

The growing population of hand dysfunction patients necessitates advanced rehabilitation technologies. Current robotic solutions face limitations in motion compatibility and systematic design frameworks. This study develops a rigid–soft coupling rehabilitation robot integrating linkage mechanisms wi...

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Main Authors: Rui Zhang, Meng Ning, Yuqian Wang, Jun Yang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Machines
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/13/4/311
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author Rui Zhang
Meng Ning
Yuqian Wang
Jun Yang
author_facet Rui Zhang
Meng Ning
Yuqian Wang
Jun Yang
author_sort Rui Zhang
collection DOAJ
description The growing population of hand dysfunction patients necessitates advanced rehabilitation technologies. Current robotic solutions face limitations in motion compatibility and systematic design frameworks. This study develops a rigid–soft coupling rehabilitation robot integrating linkage mechanisms with soft components. A machine vision system captures natural grasping trajectories, analyzed through polynomial regression. Hierarchical constraint modeling and an improved artificial bee colony algorithm optimize linkage dimensions and control strategies, achieving enhanced human–robot kinematic matching. Finite element simulations using a Yeoh hyperelastic model refine soft component geometry for balance compliance and coordination. Prototype validation demonstrates high-precision trajectory tracking, grasping across 20–70 mm objects, and steady fingertip forces during training. Experimental results confirm the system’s ability to replicate physiological motion patterns and adapt to multiple rehabilitation scenarios.
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publisher MDPI AG
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spelling doaj-art-31cbda9bdfc74d7ebf4cfcca4e298c192025-08-20T02:18:09ZengMDPI AGMachines2075-17022025-04-0113431110.3390/machines13040311Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation RobotsRui Zhang0Meng Ning1Yuqian Wang2Jun Yang3Department of Automation teaching and Research, School of Intelligent Engineering, Jiangsu Vocational College of Information Technology, Wuxi 214153, ChinaDepartment of Robotics Engineering, School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, ChinaDepartment of Robotics Engineering, School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, ChinaDepartment of Robotics Engineering, School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, ChinaThe growing population of hand dysfunction patients necessitates advanced rehabilitation technologies. Current robotic solutions face limitations in motion compatibility and systematic design frameworks. This study develops a rigid–soft coupling rehabilitation robot integrating linkage mechanisms with soft components. A machine vision system captures natural grasping trajectories, analyzed through polynomial regression. Hierarchical constraint modeling and an improved artificial bee colony algorithm optimize linkage dimensions and control strategies, achieving enhanced human–robot kinematic matching. Finite element simulations using a Yeoh hyperelastic model refine soft component geometry for balance compliance and coordination. Prototype validation demonstrates high-precision trajectory tracking, grasping across 20–70 mm objects, and steady fingertip forces during training. Experimental results confirm the system’s ability to replicate physiological motion patterns and adapt to multiple rehabilitation scenarios.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/13/4/311hand functionrehabilitation robotrigid–softmotion matchingsix-bar mechanismdimension optimization
spellingShingle Rui Zhang
Meng Ning
Yuqian Wang
Jun Yang
Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation Robots
Machines
hand function
rehabilitation robot
rigid–soft
motion matching
six-bar mechanism
dimension optimization
title Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation Robots
title_full Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation Robots
title_fullStr Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation Robots
title_full_unstemmed Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation Robots
title_short Design and Dimension Optimization of Rigid–Soft Hand Function Rehabilitation Robots
title_sort design and dimension optimization of rigid soft hand function rehabilitation robots
topic hand function
rehabilitation robot
rigid–soft
motion matching
six-bar mechanism
dimension optimization
url https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1702/13/4/311
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AT mengning designanddimensionoptimizationofrigidsofthandfunctionrehabilitationrobots
AT yuqianwang designanddimensionoptimizationofrigidsofthandfunctionrehabilitationrobots
AT junyang designanddimensionoptimizationofrigidsofthandfunctionrehabilitationrobots