Claudia Haarman MSc.

Organisation: Hankamp Rehab & University of Twente
Position: Head of R&D department & PhD candidate

Get a GRIP: supporting hand function in SCI

In this presentation we will discuss the development of an innovative robotic hand exoskeleton that supports the weakened hand function of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The exoskeleton supports the lateral pinch grip. This frequently used grasp allows patients to complete a wide variety of tasks, including picking up and manipulating objects of different sizes and weights. To support the lateral pinch grip and release of the object, the system actuates the thumb movement.

Biography

MSc. Claudia Haarman is head of the engineering department at Hankamp Rehab with over nine years of experience in biomechanical engineering and exoskeleton development. She received her M.Sc. degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Twente, Netherlands (2012), and a Professional Doctorate in Robotics (2016), also from the University of Twente. Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree focusing on the development of assistive and rehabilitation exoskeletons for the upper limb.