Team Members & Role:

Shiva Vangala: Team Lead

Sarah Szemethy: Concept/Co Lead

Pratham Vankar: Design Lead

Don Kalemba: Fabrication Lead

Tara Gensure: Analysis Lead

Kenan Cance: Evaluation Lead

Abstract: Hand exoskeletons assistive technology to enhance grip functionality in individuals with impaired finger muscles due to stroke recovery or neuromuscular conditions, which impacts their ability to perform daily tasks and reduces their quality of life. Existing solutions are often rigid, expensive, and complex, focusing on full-hand exoskeletons and lacking customizable, affordable options for targeted muscle augmentation. To fill this gap, our team introduces flEXO—a wearable, flexible exoskeleton tailored for the index finger and thumb, integrating forearm EMG sensors, servo motors, and a TPU- based hand brace. This design offers a cost-effective, lightweight, and customizable alternative that emphasizes comfort, safety, and ease of manufacturing by leveraging 3D printing and commercially available components. Through iterative prototyping and functional testing, flEXO demonstrates the potential to restore reliable grip functionality while remaining budget-friendly and scalable for further development.

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