Glove Exoskeleton for Extra-Vehicular Activities: Analysis of Requirements and Prototype Design

The objective of the thesis is the development of a prototype of a lightweight hand exoskeleton designed to be embedded in the gloved hand of an astronaut and to overcome the stiffness of the pressurized space suit. The system should be able to provide force and precision to the hand grip. The project involves various elements, in particular the analysis of the characteristics of the hand and of the EVA glove. Moreover solutions related to sensor and actuator should be investigated. Finally the study and the design of an appropriate robotic structure able to fullfit the requirements have to be performed.