Wearable Device Prototype Reduces Hand Tremors For Designer With Parkinson’s Disease

photo of the wearable that reduces Emma's hand tremors because of her parkinson's. This wearable, that looks like a watch and is worn like that too, is called

“it makes me forget that I have a tremor.”

Parkinson’s disease is known to cause uncontrollable hand tremors. This can especially be infuriating for someone who loves to write and draw, and whose profession depends on those skills. Graphic Designer Emma Lawton was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease around three years ago, and her sudden inability to use her hand because of tremors caused her to stop writing and drawing. “I tend to avoid doing sketching and writing now because it’s not really worth it”, she said.

However, Haiyan Zhang, Innovative Director at Microsoft Research wanted to help Emma.

Inspired by a spoon that moves in the opposite direction of one’s shaky hand, therefore, making the hand steady, Haiyan started experimenting with vibrating motors. She created a rough prototype that short circuits the feedback loop between the brain and the hand that’s causing the tremors, essentially distracting Emma’s brain with the vibration of the motors. After working on several months, a wearable prototype was ready and made available to Emma. To Emma’s astonishment, the wearable reduced her tremors significantly, and helped her write her name and even drew a rectangle with straight lines!

Watch the video below to see Emma and Haiyan’s story. Haiyan does not plan to continue to work on “The Emma” but she hopes that someone else will pick it up from where she left off and continue to work on this technology.

Source: Digital Trends

8 Comments

  1. People in my family have developed the Essential Tremor. Different medications have been tried but to no avail. Does this act like the Electronic Spoon? Very anxious to hear more about this new device.

    • I have essential tremor. Have tried meds, but side effects weren’t worth it. I’m currently receiving acupuncture, and along with traditional chinese medicine herbs, am having success in reducing tremors.

  2. Who can I contact for more detailed info

  3. My wife suffers with essential tremors in both hands to the extent that eating and writing is severely compromised. Is anyone out there taking up the mantle to develop on the “emmet” that seems to have such dramatic effects on sufferers?

  4. Where can we buy this device and how much it cost ??
    My sister In-laws is suffering with Parkinson her hand shakes.

  5. I ha
    ve tremor in right hand due to stroke and I want this device from where can I get

  6. Shanquarian Jordan April 13, 2021 at 12:02 pm

    I would like more information on purchasing this device

  7. I have essential tremor in my right hand.
    Interested in the wrist device you developed.
    How does one go about purchasing the device?

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