Implementing a Biorobotic Spacesuit Glove Solution to Optimize Crew Performance for Planetary Surface Operations

Fifty percent of NASA astronauts suffer nail bruising and delamination injuries with prolonged use of the pressurized spacesuit glove, either in simulation at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, or during EVA operations on the International Space Station, and even more crewmembers report significant hand and forearm muscle fatigue as an impediment to extending EVA duration. As we move toward long-duration missions to the moon and Mars with extensive surface exploration components, recurring nail delamination injuries will pose a serious threat to crew health, and premature muscle fatigue will likely continue to curb EVA mission duration and impair crew resource management if left unmitigated.

We addressed current spacesuit glove shortcomings by developing a biorobotic solution, driven by electromechanical actuators and incorporating principles of biomimicry to closely follow the human hand flexor pulley system. Our early work demonstrated the feasibility and utility of a lightweight, 3D-printed fingertip cap and phalangeal frame, along with a force augmentation system that can maintain agility and dexterity while reducing muscle fatigue. We incorporated a soft hand exoskeleton with rigid fingertip caps and flexible silicone phalangeal frames to offload pressure from the fingertips to a location with more redundant blood supply via guided carbon-fiber tendons, while also allowing for augmentation of palmar and phalangeal flexion.

Most recently, we have explored the implementation of electromyographic (EMG) sensors and feedback control systems, borrowing concepts from prosthetic hand devices while preserving the novelty and medically-inspired nature of our design. The next iteration of our design incorporates EMG sensors to unobtrusively trigger the mechanical assist provided by the soft hand exoskeleton. Integration of EMG also offers a mechanism to validate the effectiveness of our technology in mitigating hand fatigue and reducing the risk of musculoskeletal injury and nail delamination, in support of scientific exploration of lunar and Martian surfaces.