TremSleeve

What it does

TremSleeve is a wearable glove-sleeve hybrid designed to reduce hand tremors (using dynamic mechanical vibrations), enhancing stability and quality of life for individuals with tremor-related conditions (especially those with Parkinson's).

Your inspiration

During a volunteering work at a community gathering of Parkinson’s patients, we noticed how they were struggling to do simple tasks that required steady hands. Hoping to find a way to help them, we had dived into researching innovative products made to reduce hand tremors. Realising there were not any that were versatile and multi-functional in the market, we decided to create our own solution. Inspired by the Parkinson's spoon and the Emma Watch, we created TremSleeve — a simple, user-friendly wearable that applies mechanical vibrations to reduce hand tremors. This helps regain control, comfort, and confidence in their daily lives.

How it works

TremSleeve is a wearable glove-sleeve equipped with vibration motors whose intensity is dynamically adjusted based on real-time tremor data collected by embedded sensors. The sensors detect the frequency and intensity of the user's tremors, and the system processes this data using signal filtering and FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) to identify and respond to the tremor pattern. The ESP32 microcontroller allows wireless control of the sleeve, enabling users to adjust sensitivity and monitor tremor activity through a dedicated web app. Future updates will integrate machine learning for personalised feedback and adaptive tremor mitigation whilst providing remote monitoring by medical assistance.

Design process

Our process began with the concept of integrating tremor-reducing technology into a discreet, wearable form — hence the idea of a glove-sleeve hybrid. Inspired by the Emma Watch and Parkinson’s spoon, we aimed to create a product that blends seamlessly into daily life, avoiding the clinical appearance often associated with medical devices. Initial prototyping involved simple motors and sensors, with early focus on circuit design and motor placement. The first version functioned but needed refinement in comfort, fit, and performance. We upgraded it to use an ESP32 controller, enabling wireless functionality and remote monitoring. We also designed a web interface where users can control sensitivity settings and visualise tremor data. We implemented more precise signal processing techniques, including FFT-based tremor analysis, to dynamically adjust motor feedback. Several iterations were made on the sleeve material to balance comfort, compression, and motor contact. Each version involved feedback loops — hardware, software, and user testing — to optimise usability and tremor suppression. Research into tremor types and user feedback helped us refine the algorithms and expand the device’s utility.

How it is different

TremSleeve stands apart with its dynamic feedback system and dual-functionality: it both mitigates and monitors tremors in real time. Unlike fixed-frequency solutions like the Emma Watch, TremSleeve adapts vibration output based on live tremor data using FFT analysis. It avoids the drawbacks of electrical stimulation (e.g., skin irritation) and the bulkiness of gyroscopic systems, offering a lightweight and discreet alternative. Our wireless control via ESP32 and web app gives users autonomy and real-time insight into their condition. This integration of tremor data analysis, real-time actuation, and user-friendly design creates a unique blend of problem reduction and monitoring — something not currently offered on the market.

Future plans

In the future, we aim to enhance TremSleeve’s tremor suppression accuracy by refining our signal processing pipeline and integrating AI-based personalisation. With the ESP32 platform, we plan to expand the web app into a full digital companion, offering data logging, trend tracking, and remote support. Improved ergonomic design, extended battery life, and broader condition compatibility are also on the roadmap. With funding from the James Dyson Award, we hope to conduct clinical trials, collaborate with healthcare professionals, and bring TremSleeve to the global market — empowering people with hand tremors worldwide to live better lives.

Awards