Hand paralysis stemming from peripheral nerve injuries (PNI), stroke, or spinal cord injury severely limits independence and performance in activities of daily living. Although various assistive devices are available, many are condition-specific and lack the adaptability required for diverse patient populations.This project addresses these limitations through the development of a powered hand orthosis (PHO) designed for cross-population utility. The primary objective was to engineer mechanical finger linkages that enable multi-joint actuation while maintaining a small, non-obtrusive form factor.The design process involved multiple iterations to optimize the mechanical linkages for both functionality and user ergonomics. The resulting prototype was rigorously evaluated for range of motion (ROM) and wearer comfort. Preliminary testing indicates that the linkage system successfully achieves complex finger articulation without the bulk typically associated with powered exoskeletons. This work establishes a foundation for a versatile, low-profile PHO that can be adapted to various neuromuscular conditions, ultimately enhancing functional autonomy for individuals with hand impairment.
