Researchers at the University of Waterloo are developing a soft-robotic wearable that can improve the diagnosis and treatment of lymphedema.
WML engineered a portable solution. Their prototype integrates a pump, valves and a microfluidic chip into a compact unit roughly the size and weight of a smartphone. Paired with lightweight inflatable balloons and a long-lasting battery, the compression sleeve can run for up to eight hours on a single overnight charge, enabling patients to move freely during treatment. With this portable technology, their goal is to deliver full therapeutic treatment at half the cost by partnering with manufacturers to produce the control box at a fraction of the price while also improving overall usability and experience.