Nigerian inventor creates glove to help stroke recovery

A Nigerian robotics inventor, Ubokobong Amanam, has launched a robotic rehabilitation glove. This glove is meant for stroke survivors and people with hand disabilities. His company claims it is Nigeria’s first mass-produced wearable medical robot.

Mr Amanam shared the news about the glove's launch and sales on Facebook on Friday. He said this innovation came after years of research, tests, and working with physiotherapists and medical experts.

According to Ubokobong Robotics, the glove is lightweight and rechargeable. It has programmed hand movements, adjustable intensity, finger training, digital cycle counting, and mirror-mode training.

The glove also includes a mirror-synchronisation sensor. The company said this sensor helps stimulate neuroplasticity. This is the brain's ability to create new pathways during recovery.

Addressing rehabilitation challenges

Mr Amanam explained the reason for creating the glove. He said it aims to assist stroke survivors and those with hand stiffness and numbness.

“This innovation makes Ubokobong Robotics the first robotics company in Nigeria to mass-produce wearable medical robots commercially,” he stated.

The company referred to World Health Organisation (WHO) data. It showed that over 12 million people across the world have strokes every year. Many of these people end up with long-term disabilities.

Africa is also facing a rising number of stroke cases. Unfortunately, access to rehabilitation tools and specialized care is still limited for many patients.

“Ubokobong Robotics was founded with one mission: to identify real challenges faced by everyday people across Africa and solve them with practical technology and robotics,” Mr Amanam explained.

Clinical evaluation and affordability

When asked about the glove's effectiveness, Mr Amanam said it went through a lot of development and testing before the launch.

“The Robotic Rehabilitation Glove was developed over several years with experienced physiotherapists and medical professionals. We also did an 18-month clinical evaluation with different patients. The positive results and feedback pushed us to produce it commercially,” he said.

He stressed that making the glove affordable was important. The price ranges from N270,000 to N350,000 per unit.

“Our device was designed to be affordable because accessibility is crucial in addressing Africa’s rehabilitation issues. We are also looking to partner with NGOs, foundations, healthcare groups, and government agencies to bring this technology to rural and underserved areas in Nigeria and Africa,” he added.

Expansion plans

Mr Amanam mentioned that the company ran a grassroots pre-launch program in 2025. During this program, they gave out several gloves for free.

“The positive feedback showed that this technology needs to reach more people. Now, we are ready to expand across Nigeria and Africa,” he said.

He also talked about the Ubokobong Bionic Arm, which is Africa’s first hyper-realistic bionic arm. He developed it while leading Bio-Robotics Research at Immortal Cosmetic Art.

According to him, the bionic arm is now being used in 13 African countries. It has helped amputees regain their confidence and independence in daily life.

He called for teamwork with physiotherapists, medical experts, digital marketers, government agencies, sponsors, and development partners to help spread the rehabilitation glove across the continent.