Grip assist robotic glove powered by AI

Set up by four recent engineering grads, BioLiberty is aiming to help the 2.5 million people living in the UK who suffer from hand weakness because of age or illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The company’s robotic glove detects a user’s intention to grip by using electromyography (EMG) to measure electrical activity in response to a nerve's stimulation of the muscle. An algorithm then converts that intention into force, helping the user hold an item or apply the necessary pressure to complete an activity.

Glove translates American Sign Language in real time

BioLiberty co-founder Ross O’Hanlon was motivated to start the company when his aunt was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and began to lose movement in her hands. Noticing that she was struggling with simple tasks such as drinking water and using the TV remote – and with a lack of appropriate support for his aunt – Ross and his fellow engineers took up the challenge.