Keeping things in hand: BioLiberty

Med-Tech Innovation News spoke to Ross O'Hanlon, co-founder of BioLiberty, which has developed a robotic glove to help people with motor control deficiencies live independently.  

First of all, tell us about how BioLiberty started?

BioLiberty started off with an observation. My auntie suffers from MS and at the early stage of her diagnosis she began to lose motor control of her legs. Several innovative technologies existed to combat this issue, such as crutches, wall rails and mobility scooters. However, when the MS attacked her hands, there was no technology available which addressed the issue of reduced hand strength. This is when I came up with the idea of a robotic glove which strengthens grip. I formed a team of engineers with experience in the medical device industry to tackle this problem. We have been working on the product for around a year now.

How does the glove aid the user?

The glove bridges the gap between orthosis and rehabilitation. The idea is that the glove can strengthen the hand for both flexion and extension, whilst also developing natural hand strength. In assistive mode, the glove monitors the position of the user’s hand, and when the user attempts to grip an object, the glove responds by amplifying their grip.

We have also built a digital therapy platform around the glove. When in rehabilitation mode, the glove and digital therapy platform guide the user through tailored exercises which help restore natural hand strength. We wanted to create a product which not only assists grip in the short term, but also puts the user on a path to improved natural hand strength in the long term.

Patients this could be used for includes those who have MS, MND and carpal tunnel syndrome, is there scope to expand its usage?

The exciting part of our technology is its versatility. Initially, target conditions will include post-stroke, post-surgery and arthritis, with an aim to create a portfolio of products which are specifically designed to tackle conditions such as MS, MND and carpal tunnel syndrome. Once we have our portfolio of gloves on the market, we aim to apply this technology to other parts of the body. This could include ankles, elbows and knees. Hands are just the starting point. Our goal as a company is to design products which make independent living possible for everyone.

Can you tell us what has gone into making the glove? 

The glove can be analysed as a system with an input, process, and output. The input of our system is electromyography. Electromyography is a technique which uses electrodes to measure muscle activity when the user intends to grip. The system then uses our sophisticated algorithm to send a signal to our actuators which creates an assistive force to strengthen the user’s grip. This force works for both flexion and extension of the hands. The algorithm uses Machine Learning to characterise that individual’s muscle activity, and in turn increase the reliability of the glove.

How significant is the support from the EBS Incubator?

The support from Edinburgh Business School (EBS) Incubator has been key to our success so far. The BioLiberty team is made up of engineers so having access to the EBS Incubator has provided us with important training to develop the commercial aspect of our business. The EBS Incubator has also provided us with access to their network of leading experts in the medical and robotics industries. The incubator is based at Heriot-Watt University, which is home to the National Robotarium, meaning we have had an incredible opportunity to connect with pioneering roboticists working in social care. The incubator is also providing us with desk space which we hope to operate the business from as soon as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. In the meantime, we will continue to work and be supported remotely. 

Do you have any future plans you can tell us about?

We have big plans for BioLiberty in the future. We aim to create a world which is no longer restricted by limited mobility, allowing all people to live a longer, healthier life independently. Our immediate goal is to get our product into the hands of the people who need it the most.

Our technology is extremely versatile, and we plan to develop products for a range of body parts and conditions. We want to help transform social care using innovative technology and empower therapists by giving them tools to monitor and treat their patients more effectively. 

Anything else you’d like to add? 

If you are an occupational therapist or physiotherapist with experience working with hands, we’d love to hear from you. To get in touch please contact us through our website: www.bioliberty.co.uk