A smart glove meant for patients with Parkinson’s disease won the two hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The awardee is Kunal Mankodiya, an associate professor of engineering at the University of Rhode Island and could help in its commercialization.
NSF has acknowledged Mankodiya’s efforts of developing the smart glove with the capability of capturing the wearers’ movement data. The glove has been designed for persons with Parkinson’s disease or other movement ailments.
NSF’s innovative program led to smart glove
NSF has been outgoing because the discovery of the smart glove has been propelled by its partnerships for innovation program. Its objective is helping inventors to accelerate their innovations meant in tackling significant societal challenges and needs.
The smart glove project marveled NSF as it can assist health practitioners in customizing patients’ treatment regimes and exercises based on the technological advancements utilized.
Mankodiya stipulated that the funding from NSF will be instrumental in propelling a deep dive into the merging of distinctive domains, such as smart textile manufacturing, human-factors design, wearable electronics, and conductive fabrics.
He also asserted that the grant programs offered by NSF are exceptional as they enhance the discovery of various innovative technologies crucial in societal transformation.
Smart glove is part of NSF nurturing talent advocacy
NSF has been striving to make societal transformations by addressing notable needs and challenges. As a result, it has led to the discovery of unique projects, such as the smart glove, that will enhance efficiency and productivity.
Since 2016, Mankodiya with assistance from students in his Wearable Biosensing Lab has been developing the smart glove project. He acknowledges that they have undertaken considerable research on the innovative smart gloves for some years.
A transition was, however, necessitated and this led to the decision of availing the smart gloves into the market. Mankodiya notes that this process is not straightforward as it will require narrow and very focused research in the finalization of the analytical, digital, and physical elements of the smart gloves.
Once successful, the smart glove project will be beneficial to many as the neurodegenerative disorder affects nearly one million (1M) American residents, and at least ten million (10M) individuals worldwide.
Recent research also revealed that smartphone games, such as Candy Crush, can be pivotal in the detection of cognitive decline.
