What are some examples of soft robotic wearable devices, and how do they assist users in healthcare applications such as rehabilitation therapy, assistive technology, and patient monitoring by providing personalized assistance, adaptive support, and continuous feedback in wearable form factors such as exoskeletons, prosthetic limbs, or smart textiles?

Soft robotic wearable devices are innovative tools that assist users in healthcare applications by providing personalized assistance, adaptive support, and continuous feedback. Here are some examples and their applications in healthcare:

– **Exosuits**: These are soft robotic garments that apply forces and/or torques to human joints. They are used for rehabilitation therapy, helping patients regain movement after strokes or injuries¹.
– **Prosthetic Limbs**: Soft robotic prosthetics provide a more natural and comfortable experience for amputees. They can adapt to the user’s movements and provide sensory feedback².
– **Smart Textiles**: These are fabrics integrated with sensors and actuators that monitor health metrics and support the user’s movements. They are useful in patient monitoring and assistive technology³.

These devices assist users by:
– **Personalized Assistance**: They can be tailored to the specific needs and conditions of the user, ensuring that the support provided is optimal for their rehabilitation or daily activities⁵.
– **Adaptive Support**: Soft robotic devices can adjust their behavior in real-time based on the user’s movements, providing support that is responsive to the user’s actions⁶.
– **Continuous Feedback**: Integrated sensors allow for the continuous monitoring of health metrics, which can be used to provide feedback to the user or healthcare professionals for better management of the patient’s condition⁴.

Overall, soft robotic wearable devices represent a significant advancement in healthcare technology, offering solutions that are more aligned with the natural movements and needs of the human body.