In a significant stride towards enhancing the quality of life for patients with rheumatic diseases, researchers have developed a lightweight, wearable adhesive glove that promises to revolutionize grasping functionality. The innovative device, detailed in a study published in *Advanced Science* (which translates to *Advanced Science* in English), is the brainchild of Shiqiang Wang and his team at the School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Beihang University in Beijing, China.
Rheumatic diseases often lead to joint deformities and peripheral nerve damage, severely impairing hand function. Traditional wearable assistive gloves, while helpful, come with their own set of challenges—bulky hardware, complex finger manipulation, and the risk of joint injuries. Wang’s team has addressed these issues with a soft, portable glove based on thermoresponsive ionogels. “Our goal was to create a device that is not only effective but also comfortable and easy to use,” Wang explains.
The ionogel at the heart of this technology exhibits remarkable adhesion properties. At room temperature (25°C), it adheres strongly to various materials with a force of approximately 35 kPa. However, when heated to 45°C, this adhesion drops significantly to about 6.8 kPa. This switchable adhesion is controlled by smart adhesive pads embedded with flexible heaters and temperature sensors, allowing for programmable adhesion. The glove can rapidly transition from high to low adhesion within just 4 seconds at 4V, making it highly responsive to the user’s needs.
One of the standout features of this glove is its hands-free control interface. Using inertial measurement units, the glove detects the user’s intent to release, facilitating intuitive and effortless detachment. Weighing a mere 47 grams, the glove is a staggering 7.2 times lighter than existing assistive gloves, making it incredibly portable and user-friendly. “This technology empowers users to grasp and release a variety of objects that would otherwise be unmanageable,” Wang adds.
The implications of this research extend beyond medical applications. The principles behind the thermoresponsive ionogel could find applications in various industries, including robotics and automation, where switchable adhesion could enhance the functionality of robotic grippers and manipulators. In the energy sector, for instance, such technology could be used to develop more efficient and adaptable robotic systems for maintenance and inspection tasks in challenging environments.
The study’s evaluation of various activities of daily living demonstrates that the glove significantly enhances grasping ability and increases autonomy for patients with rheumatic diseases. This breakthrough not only offers a new level of independence for users but also sets a precedent for future developments in wearable robotics and medical assistive devices.
As the field of soft robotics continues to evolve, the work of Shiqiang Wang and his team serves as a testament to the potential of innovative materials and smart design in creating life-changing technologies. With further research and development, we can expect to see even more advanced applications of thermoresponsive ionogels, paving the way for a future where assistive devices are not just functional but also seamlessly integrated into daily life.