Nigerian inventor launches glove to aid stroke recovery

The inventor, Ubokobong Amanam, announced the official launch and commercial distribution of the device in a Facebook post on Friday, saying the innovation was developed after years of research, testing, and collaboration with physiotherapists and medical experts.

A Nigerian robotics innovator, Ubokobong Amanam, has launched a robotic rehabilitation glove designed to support stroke survivors and individuals living with hand-related disabilities, marking what his company describes as Nigeria’s first commercially mass-produced wearable medical robot.

Mr Amanam announced the official launch and commercial distribution of the device in a Facebook post on Friday, saying the innovation was developed after years of research, testing, and collaboration with physiotherapists and medical experts.

According to Ubokobong Robotics, the lightweight, rechargeable glove is equipped with programmed guided hand movement, adjustable intensity, targeted finger training, digital cycle counting, and mirror-mode training.

The device also features a mirror-synchronisation sensor, which the company said was specifically developed to stimulate neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to form new neural pathways during recovery.

Addressing rehabilitation challenges

Explaining the motivation behind the innovation, Mr Amanam said the glove was designed to help stroke survivors and people experiencing hand stiffness, numbness, and other hand dysfunctions.

“This innovation makes Ubokobong Robotics the first robotics company in Nigeria to mass-produce wearable medical robots commercially,” he said.

The company cited World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates indicating that more than 12 million people suffer strokes globally each year, with millions left with long-term disabilities.

It noted that Africa continues to face a growing burden of stroke cases, while access to rehabilitation equipment and specialised care remains limited for many patients.

“Ubokobong Robotics was founded with one mission: to identify real challenges faced by everyday people across Africa and solve them using practical technology and robotics,” Mr Amanam said.

Clinical evaluation and affordability

Responding to questions on the device’s effectiveness, Mr Amanam said the rehabilitation glove underwent extensive development and testing before its commercial launch.

“The Robotic rehabilitation Glove was developed over several years in collaboration with experienced physiotherapists and medical professionals. We also conducted an 18-month clinical evaluation involving different patients, and the positive outcomes and feedback encouraged us to scale the technology for commercial production,” he said.

He said affordability was a key consideration during the development process, noting that the device costs between N270,000 and N350,000 per unit.

“Our device was intentionally designed to be affordable, as accessibility is key to solving Africa’s rehabilitation challenges. We are also partnering and seeking partnerships with NGOs, foundations, healthcare organisations, and government agencies to help extend this technology to rural and underserved communities across Nigeria and Africa,” he added.

Expansion plans

Mr Amanam said the company carried out a grassroots pre-launch programme in 2025 during which several units of the rehabilitation glove were distributed free.

“The overwhelming positive feedback confirmed that this technology must reach more people. Now, we are ready to expand across Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

The inventor also highlighted the Ubokobong Bionic Arm, described as Africa’s first hyper-realistic bionic arm, which he developed while serving as Head of Bio-Robotics Research at Immortal Cosmetic Art.

According to him, the device is currently being used in 13 African countries and has helped amputees regain confidence, independence, and comfort in their daily lives.

He called for collaboration with physiotherapists, medical professionals, digital marketers, government agencies, sponsors, and development partners to support the expansion of the rehabilitation glove across the continent.