Azerbaijani Students Innovate Smart Glove to Aid Carpet Weavers

Baku:Three Azerbaijani school students have developed an intelligent hand-movement monitoring system called ReHand Loom. This innovation is designed to mitigate physical strain among traditional carpet weavers, helping to preserve Azerbaijan's cultural heritage.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the project was created by Youssef El-Haroun, Ilyas Taghiyev, and Mikayil Ahmadbayli, students from different schools in Baku. Implemented between December 2025 and August 2026, ReHand Loom addresses the challenges faced by carpet weavers due to repetitive finger and wrist movements. These movements can cause significant physical strain, underscoring the need for technologies that monitor physical workload.

The system features a specially designed glove with sensors to record finger bending, wrist movements, and applied pressure. This data is intended for specialists to analyze physical strain patterns and monitor changes in weavers' hand movements. The developers emphasized an individualized approach to help specialists create personalized recommendations and exercises for weavers. The technology aims to complement, not replace, professional assessments.

In developing ReHand Loom, the team iterated on six versions of the device, improving sensor placement, measurement accuracy, and user comfort. The process considered both technical requirements and feedback from experienced craftspeople. The project was presented at the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, where the inventors showcased the technology's applications in traditional craftsmanship.

The Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan recognized the students' efforts, commending their initiative and commitment to integrating modern technologies to support national craft traditions. The ministry praised the team's dedication and the progress made in a short time frame.

The primary goal of ReHand Loom is to offer a technological solution that blends engineering innovation with an individualized approach to craftspeople's health, all while preserving cultural heritage. This initiative highlights how electronics, programming, and engineering design can tackle social challenges and enhance the working conditions of traditional craftspeople, supporting the centuries-old tradition of Azerbaijani carpet weaving.