W
orking without getting
tired, feeling and moving
without direct contact –
the ExoHand is a fascinating
development from Festo that expands
the manual capabilities of humans.
The exoskeleton, which is worn like a
glove, allows active finger movement.
The strength of the hand is amplified,
movements are registered and trans-
mitted to the robotic hand in real time.
The ExoHand from Festo thus combines
human intelligence with the capabilities
of a robot. It has all the principal physi-
ological degrees of movement of its
human counterpart and thus supports
the human hand’s diverse techniques
for grasping and handling objects.
A longer and healthier working life
Despite a high level of automation, there
are still many tasks in industry that can
only be performed by humans. However,
many repetitive tasks easily lead to fa-
tigue. The ExoHand amplifies the strength
of the human hand and helps employees
remain in work longer without incurring
permanent physical damage. To prevent
fatigue and physical wear and tear, the
ExoHand can be worn for activities
carried out in the assembly process,
thereby functioning as an assistance
system that makes for more pleasant
working conditions.
Handling without risk
Another area of application of the ExoHand
is the remote manipulation of a robotic
hand in an industrial setting. Danger-
ous tasks can thus be performed from
a safe distance. As a force feedback
system, the ExoHand also extends the
One more question
trends in automation:
Can you describe
in just a few words the core components
of the ExoHand and how they work?
Elias M. Knubben:
We produce the Exo-
Hand from polyamide using the selective
laser sintering technique (SLS). The exo-
skeleton is created from a 3D scan of the
user’s hand. Eight pneumatic, double-
acting actuators – DFK-10 cylinders from
Festo – are attached to the outer layer.
They allow the wearer to open and close
the fingers with utmost precision. The
index finger can also be pivoted to either
side, and the thumb can be rotated
Elias Maria Knubben,
Head of Corporate
Bionic Projects at Festo
towards the palm. Linear potentiometers
register both the positions of the fingers
and the force applied by each individual
drive unit. The corresponding pressure
in the various chambers is regulated by
piezo proportional valves. Sensors on
the valve terminal regulate the pressure
and give an indication of the forces ap-
plied by the cylinder.
Fingertip precision:
Precise orientation of
all finger joints and flexible movement with
complete freedom.
2.2012
trends in automation
Compass
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