World's first robotic hand exoskeleton by IIT Kanpur transforms stroke recovery

IIT Kanpur has developed the world's first robotic hand exoskeleton which uses a brain-computer interface to aid stroke recovery, showing promising results.

In Short

• IIT Kanpur creates robotic exoskeleton for stroke recovery
• Device links brain activity to physical therapy
• Promising trials conducted in India and the UK

Stroke recovery is often a slow, uncertain journey, but IIT Kanpur has introduced a major innovation to change that. The institute has developed the world’s first Brain-Computer Interface (BCI)-based Robotic Hand Exoskeleton to assist stroke patients in regaining mobility more effectively.

This unique device bridges the gap between physical therapy and brain engagement, actively involving the patient’s brain during rehabilitation. It employs a closed-loop control system combining three critical components:

1. A Brain-Computer Interface that captures signals from the brain’s motor cortex.
2. A robotic hand exoskeleton that facilitates therapeutic movements.
3. Software that synchronises brain signals with the exoskeleton, providing real-time feedback.

By linking brain activity with physical movement, this device ensures that the brain, muscles, and visual feedback work in harmony, leading to faster recovery.

SUCCESSFUL PILOT TRIALS

Clinical trials in collaboration with Regency Hospital in India and the University of Ulster in the UK have shown promising results.

Eight patients—four in India and four in the UK—who had stopped making progress in recovery after one or two years post-stroke achieved complete recovery using this therapy.

BEYOND THE LIMITATIONS OF TRADITIONAL METHODS

Traditional physiotherapy often fails to engage the brain sufficiently. However, this robotic exoskeleton stimulates brain plasticity, which allows the brain to rewire itself in response to stimuli.

With its assist-as-required mode, the device adapts to the patient’s needs, making the recovery process more personalised and effective.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Large-scale trials are already underway with Apollo Hospitals in India, and the device is expected to be commercially available within three to five years.

This innovation offers new hope to stroke patients, even those who are years beyond the critical recovery window.