Abstract: Variable stiffness apparatuses using an interconnected dual layer fluid-filled cell array. One example of the present apparatuses comprises: a substrate having a first side and a second side; and a plurality of structures coupled to the substrate, where each structure comprises: a flexible first portion having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the first portion defining a first chamber; and a second portion having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end, the second portion defining a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber; where each of the plurality of structures is coupled to the substrate such that the first portion is disposed on the first side of the substrate, and the second chamber is disposed on the first side or the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: This disclosure includes manipulating apparatuses and related methods. Some manipulating apparatuses include an actuator having a semi-rigid first segment, a semi-rigid second segment, and one or more flexible cells disposed between the first segment and the second segment, where the actuator is configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that the fluid source can communicate fluid to vary internal pressures of the one or more cells, and where each cell is configured such that adjustments of an internal pressure of the cell causes angular displacement of the second segment relative to the first segment.

Abstract: This disclosure includes manipulating apparatuses and related methods. Some manipulating apparatuses include an actuator having a semi-rigid first segment, a semi-rigid second segment, and one or more flexible cells disposed between the first segment and the second segment, where the actuator is configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that the fluid source can communicate fluid to vary internal pressures of the one or more cells, and where each cell is configured such that adjustments of an internal pressure of the cell causes angular displacement of the second segment relative to the first segment.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a robotic mirror therapy system for providing therapy to a user having a impaired hand, the system including a motion command glove configured to be worn on a healthy hand of the user or another person, the motion command glove comprising position sensors configured to determine the position and orientation of the healthy hand and its fingers, a motion actuator glove configured to be worn on the user's impaired hand, the motion actuator glove comprising actuators configured to actuate the impaired hand and its fingers, and a control unit configured to receive position data from the motion command glove and to control actuation of the actuators of the motion actuator glove such that the impaired hand mirrors motion of the healthy hand.

Abstract: This disclosure includes manipulating apparatuses and related methods. Some manipulating apparatuses include an actuator having a semi-rigid first segment, a semi-rigid second segment, and one or more flexible cells disposed between the first segment and the second segment, where the actuator is configured to be coupled to a fluid source such that the fluid source can communicate fluid to vary internal pressures of the one or more cells, and where each cell is configured such that adjustments of an internal pressure of the cell causes angular displacement of the second segment relative to the first segment.