Sarah Anne Fischer

Papers

Total Citations

121

H-Index

About

Dr. Sarah Anne Fischer is a pioneering figure in soft robotics and rehabilitation engineering, whose work has transformed assistive technologies for individuals with motor impairments. Her research centers on developing wearable robotic systems that integrate advanced sensing and actuation for hand rehabilitation, with a focus on restoring function after neurological injuries like stroke. Her most-cited paper, "A soft robotic exomusculature glove with integrated sEMG sensing for hand rehabilitation" (2013, 121 citations), introduced a groundbreaking glove that uses soft, compliant materials and surface electromyography (sEMG) to detect user intent, enabling natural, repetitive hand movements for therapy. This innovation directly addresses the needs of the 80% of stroke survivors—among the 750,000 affected annually in the U.S.—who experience weakened limbs. By combining soft robotics with real-time biofeedback, Fischer’s work has advanced rehabilitation outcomes, offering a safer, more comfortable alternative to rigid exoskeletons. Her contributions have been widely recognized, with her glove design serving as a foundation for subsequent research in human-robot interaction and neurorehabilitation, cementing her impact on both clinical practice and assistive device design.