Active Elbow Orthosis
The Active Elbow Orthosis compensates for lost elbow-flexion function, restoring everyday mobility to people who can no longer bend their arm under their own muscle power. The device is light enough for daily wear, controlled directly by the user’s own physiology, and designed to be put on and taken off single-handed.
How it works
The orthosis is driven by electromyographic (EMG) signals picked up from the user’s neck and triceps muscles. A small actuator interprets those signals and bends or extends the elbow joint accordingly, allowing the wearer to lift and lower objects naturally. The device weighs approximately 3 kg and can lift loads of up to 1 kg.
Key advantages
- Intuitive EMG + ML control. Electromyographic sensors paired with machine-learning signal interpretation let the wearer control the orthosis seamlessly, without learning artificial gestures or operating switches.
- Daily-wearable form factor. Built from climate-resistant, skin-comfortable materials, and designed so the user can put it on and take it off with a single hand.
- Useful payload. A 3 kg device that lifts 1 kg payloads — enough to handle a glass of water, a phone, a household tool — covering most everyday tasks.
Project consortium
A multi-institution collaboration:
- Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute — mechanics, electronics, signal analysis
- NVP VEL — system integration, manufacturing
- Romodanov Neurosurgery Institute (NAMSU) — clinical trials
- West Virginia University — system architecture
- Ukrainian Catholic University — signal analysis