Dr. Peter Lum, Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing, currently has a published patent application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for his “Wearable Exoskeleton Device and Method of Donning.” The device features a hand-mounted exoskeleton designed to attach directly to the user’s hand, with individual finger linkages for each finger. Each finger includes a sliding attachment that connects to the exoskeleton, allowing for a secure and adaptable fit.
The system incorporates metacarpophalangeal (MCP) and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint linkages that work together to guide finger motion. This design restricts movement to a single degree of freedom, enabling precise, controlled hand and finger movement.
This wearable hand exoskeleton is designed to help individuals with limited hand mobility due to injury, stroke, or neurological conditions. By guiding finger movement in a controlled and natural way, the device supports rehabilitation and helps users improve hand function over time. It can also make therapy more effective while reducing physical strain during recovery.
Dr. Lum’s work, supported by co-inventors Dr. Rafael Casas and Khue Phan, highlights the innovative and impactful research taking place at the College of Engineering, Physics, and Computing. Dr. Casas has formed a startup company, SpringWear LLC, to use this invention in commercial products.
Our faculty and researchers design new devices and methods to solve real-world problems that directly improve people’s lives. The College is deeply committed to engineering for the common good, and this work is a powerful example of how research, innovation, and purpose come together to create meaningful change.
Learn more about Dr. Lum’s work in wearable technology and hand rehabilitation: https://engineering.catholic.edu/research-and-faculty/faculty-profiles/biomedical/lum-peter/index.html
Read the published patent application here: https://patents.google.com/patent/US20250255767A1/en
