Comparative Study on Finger Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Robots: Design, Control, and Clinical Validation

Neurological disorders, especially stroke, have become a great health problem in the world; therefore, a rising number of people need effective hand recovery. Finger exoskeleton rehabilitation robots have become a hopeful means to regain small motor skills through doing the same training again and again. This paper provides a comprehensive review and comparison of the most recent developments in China and around the world after 2020, with regard to mechanism design, actuation, control, Human-Robot interaction, and clinical trials. Methodologically, it uses comparative literature analysis to show the change from engineering feasibility to clinically oriented research. From the results, it is seen that domestic research focuses more on mechanical innovation and control innovation. International researches focus on safety standards and large-scale clinical trials. Compare the trajectory of the two results of the research, and need to combine the engineering innovation with standardization of the clinical testing and regulatory requirements. Also, the results from it can lead the world into rehabilitation robotics and add theory and practical information to change technological advances into a clinical solution.