GM to Test Power-Assist Manufacturing Glove

General Motors Co. is partnering with NASA and Bioservo Technologies AB, a Swedish medical technology firm, on a specially designed glove that can help manufacturing workers exert more force while reducing muscle fatigue.

The technology integrates and builds on two separate initiatives. GM and NASA collaborated for nine years on a “RoboGlove” system that has been tested on the humanoid Robonaut 2 (R2) used on the international space station. Separately, Bioservo developed its SEM (soft-extra muscle) glove to enhance dexterity and grip for medical applications.

RoboGlove, which is described as a wearable battery-powered force multiplying device, uses a host of advanced sensors and actuators to replicate the nerves, muscles and tendons in a human hand. This allowed the R2, which was sent to space in 2011, to use tools designed for humans.

Bioservo will produce and sell the new glove for a variety of uses, including industrial applications and medical rehabilitation. As part of a licensing agreement, GM plans to test the power glove at some of its assembly plants and hopes to become the first U.S. company to use such a device in manufacturing applications. The company already has tested a prototype glove in a preproduction research facility.

In addition to boosting its wearer's strength and grip capabilities, the glove helps alleviate the stress and fatigue that can occur during repetitive tasks. The partners note that such fatigue can be felt within a few minutes of continuously gripping a tool, which can reduce productivity and lead to injuries.