Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have introduced a wearable robotic assistive device that helps people with spinal cord injuries regain grip when wrist extension remains but finger flexion is lost. In practical terms, this means someone can lift a cup, pick up a book, or retrieve a dropped item without twisting the torso or relying on another limb to compensate. Such improvements in hand function support daily independence for many users, easing the burden on caregivers and expanding what is possible in everyday life. The project aligns with a broader move toward friendly, noninvasive wearables that blend with natural movement rather than forcing people to modify how they move. By prioritizing a lightweight build, responsive sensing, and intuitive control, the team aims to make grip assistance an everyday aid rather than a specialized tool.
The device called the Dorsal Grasper is a glove-like system that adds a handful of miniature robotic fingers along the back of the hand. When the user extends the wrist, compact actuators engage, guiding the artificial fingers around the object to form a secure grip. The arrangement is designed to work with the user’s existing motion, so it acts as an assistive layer instead of a rigid constraint. For wheelchair users, the capacity to capture items without turning the body saves energy and reduces strain during transfers, meals, and medication administration. The design emphasizes comfort and unobtrusiveness, allowing extended wear without interfering with natural wrist or finger movements. In practice, the fingers respond quickly to wrist cues, enabling a rapid sequence from reach to grasp. The approach complements intact wrist motion rather than forcing artificial movement, creating a smooth, intuitive experience that feels natural to the wearer. Soft, responsive materials and precise back-of-hand placement reduce pressure and maximize familiarity with everyday tasks.
During trials, participants were able to grasp a range of everyday objects using the dorsal clutch with minimal effort. The device did not interfere with natural hand movements, and users reported an intuitive control experience that facilitated rapid adaptation. The system proved to be an assistive layer that aligns with daily tasks rather than a bulky add-on. Training sessions were straightforward, suggesting practical readiness for daily life once the device becomes a compact, wearable option. The tests highlighted how a wrist-driven grip system can provide meaningful support without demanding extensive concentration or altering posture. The setup was designed to slip on and off easily, encouraging consistent use in home environments and care settings.
Looking ahead, the team is building a wireless version to improve home use. They are refining the structure to withstand real-world loads and daily wear while reducing weight and bulk. Additional work focuses on extending battery life, ensuring safe operation, and simplifying the donning and doffing process. The aim is to offer a compact, comfortable device that people can use in the kitchen, at a desk, or during routine care tasks, enabling independent completion of activities that previously required assistance. The goal is to broaden everyday independence by restoring a level of dexterity that many users miss in daily routines.
Parallel progress exists beyond the United States. In South Korea, early work produced an external exoskeleton that allows some paralyzed individuals to walk, illustrating a broader trend toward augmenting mobility with wearable robotics. These efforts reflect a shared mission across regions to empower people with limited mobility through devices that integrate with natural movement and everyday life. The story of this research is part of a global shift toward accessible assistive technology that couples comfort with capability, helping people perform tasks from meals to work with greater ease. While the Dorsal Grasper focuses on restoring grip in the hands, other projects describe full-body solutions that extend movement without sacrificing safety or comfort. The aim remains clear: to embed assistive technology into daily life so it feels less like medical gear and more like a helpful companion that expands possibilities for independence.