"Helping Hand" is a Bluetooth EMG activated orthotic grasping mechanism for patients with hemiparesis who desire to perform tasks that require dual hand dexterity.

It features a 3D printed scaffold uniquely contoured to the patient’s hand. It is covered with ergonomic foam, and attached to the scaffold are graspers that are powered by a servo motor and controlled by Bluetooth EMG linked to Arduino. When the patient flexes a muscle on a part of the body not affected by the stroke, the graspers lock onto a fixed position in space. This enables stroke survivors to perform tasks such as cutting fruit and vegetables, tasks that would otherwise be impossible. Since I was the only mechanical engineer on this diverse team, I drew up the prototype and its accompanying parts using Solidworks, 3D printed, assembled, and integrated with the electronics.