The Role and Prospects of Composite Fibers in the Production of Hand Exoskeletons
Open Access
- 27 May 2026
- journal article
- review article
- Published by MDPI AG in Applied Sciences
- Vol. 16 (11) , 5365
Abstract
Composite materials, particularly polymers reinforced with carbon, glass, and aramid fibers, enable the development of lightweight yet mechanically robust structures that enhance user comfort and functional performance. Their high strength-to-weight ratio and fatigue resistance make them ideal for applications requiring repetitive movements in rehabilitation and assistive robotics. However, challenges remain related to cost-effective production, durability under complex loading conditions, and ergonomic fit to human anatomy. Recent advances in materials science and smart materials are expanding the possibilities of multifunctional composites with embedded sensors. Furthermore, machine learning methods are increasingly being used to optimize material selection and structural design. Future advances are expected to improve scalability, personalization, and system integration, positioning composite fibers as a key assistive technology in next-generation robotic systems.Keywords
Funding Information
- Uniwersytet Kazimierza Wielkiego w Bydgoszczy
This publication has 116 references indexed in Scilit:
- Topologically Structured PLLA Fibers With Stress Concentration Effects for Health MonitoringAdvanced Science, 2026
- Artificial intelligence in additive Manufacturing: advances in smart materials, lattice optimization, and process intelligenceThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology, 2026
- 3D Printing of Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforced Composites With Cyanate Ester Interpenetrating Polymer Networks for Enhanced Thermo‐Mechanical PropertiesPolymer Composites, 2025
- Mechanical performance of bio‐based fiber reinforced polymer composites: A reviewPolymer Composites, 2025
- A review on sustainable properties of plant fiber‐reinforced polymer composites: characteristics and propertiesPolymer International, 2024
- A materials informatics framework based on reduced‐order models for extracting structure–property linkages of additively manufactured continuous fiber‐reinforced polymer compositesPolymer Composites, 2024
- Graphene and CNT‐Based Smart Fiber‐Reinforced Composites: A ReviewAdvanced Functional Materials, 2022
- Ionic Liquid‐Based Polymer Nanocomposites for Sensors, Energy, Biomedicine, and Environmental Applications: Roadmap to the FutureAdvanced Science, 2022
- A review: A Comprehensive Review of Soft and Rigid Wearable Rehabilitation and Assistive Devices with a Focus on the Shoulder JointJournal of Intelligent & Robotic Systems, 2021
- 3D printed models in mandibular reconstruction with bony free flapsJournal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 2018