How the Iron Hand Works

MIMICS AND ENHANCES THE USER’S GRASP MOVEMENTS
The pressure sensors in the glove activate the sophisticated control system in the Powerpack and pull artificial tendons in the fingers, creating a strong and natural grasping motion. The Smart Assist function uses machine learning and adopts the behavior of the glove based on how the operator is using the glove.

Key Features of the Iron Hand

  • Easy to use for different work tasks
  • Mimics and enhances the user’s grasp movements
  • Digital ergonomic risk assessments
  • Ironhand has the option to always be connected, via 4G through the built-in sim card, or via Wifi.
  • Through the IronConnect Pro app, you can get an overview of all Ironhand equipment at a site, assign gloves to operators, access diagnostics, and create ergonomic risk reports.

Bionic Lift is a Small Business Innovation Research recipient which allows for Phase III, sole-source procurement IAW the SBIR-STTR Policy Directive 2019…please see (here) for more information.  Also, please see the Phase III Booklet (here) for additional information.

Ironhand provides extra strength and endurance

Ironhand is the world’s first active soft exoskeleton for the hand. With its sophisticated technology, Ironhand strengthens the human hand, allowing workers to use less grip force when performing repetitive work tasks. Less force used reduces fatigue and prevents strain injuries.

The pressure sensors in the glove activate the sophisticated control system in the Powerpack and pull artificial tendons in the fingers, creating a strong and natural grasping motion. The Smart Assist function uses machine learning and adopts the behavior of the glove based on how the operator is using the glove.

In addition to the Smart Assist function, the operator can also configure the system manually and adjust force, sensitivity, locking tendency, force balance, etc. Via the remote control or the IronConnect app, the operator can easily adjust the glove’s behavior if necessary.

To ensure an ergonomic solution for both women and men, as well as different body types, and working positions, the Powerpack can be worn on the back or on the hip. In addition to different sizes of gloves, different sizes of arm straps and carrying solutions are also available. Easy donning and doffing has been considered when designing the system and we have made sure that the Ironhand system is easy to put on and take off.

The most commonly used hand related risk assessment methods are integrated in the system, making it easy for ergonomists to automatically assess workstations and work tasks, creating ergonomic risk reports showing risk levels and how Ironhand can reduce the risk for strain injuries.

Ironhand has the option to always be connected, via 4G through the built-in sim card, or via Wifi. This means that high-resolution data can be sent to ensure that the system functions as intended and that data for risk reports is continuously collected. Should connection not be available, data is stored locally in the device for later upload.

Through the IronConnect Pro app, you can get an overview of all Ironhand equipment at a site, assign gloves to operators, access diagnostics, and create ergonomic risk reports.

APPLICATIONS IRONHAND
Ironhand is suitable for grip-intensive work tasks where the hands are exposed to high forces, repetitive and/or static work. It allows workers to use less grip force. Less force used reduces fatigue, prevent strain injuries, and reduces the number of sick leave days. The Ironhand system has been tested in many applications, below are some examples of applications where the system is beneficial.

MANUALLY GUIDED TOOLS
All devices, tools and and power tools that must be held static for a longer period of time, for example:

    • Grinder
    • Drilling machine
    • Polishing machine
    • Welding machine
    • Hammer
    • Pop rivet gun

ASSEMBLY
Manual assembly work, for example pressing in, clipping or compressing.

WAREHOUSING
Lift, hold and carry loads where a secure grip is important

CONSTRUCTION
The construction industry is labor intensive due to the high amount of manual work tasks involved. The operators often have a few different tasks throughout a workday, however most of them are grip intensive and repetitive or static work tasks.

Always Connected

  • Connected to BioCloud via 4G through the built-in sim card, or Wi-Fi.
  • Data is also stored locally in the Powerpack in situation where radio transmission is restricted or unavailable.
  • High-resolution data always available
  • Glove Configuration is done using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi

Keep Track of your Ironhand® Systems

  • IronConnect Pro provides an overview of all Ironhand equipment at a site
  • Assign gloves to operators
  • Access diagnostics
  • Create ergonomic risk reports
  • Available for iOS and Android

Assembly, Pre-assembly and Logistics

Construction, Building and Maintenance