Papers by Keyword: Rehabilitation Robotics

Abstract: The market of rehabilitation robots has been recording slow, but steady growth for several years and this trend is expected to continue. Therefore, more and more commercial companies offering complete solutions have been entering the market and a new separate branch within the medical devices manufacturing industry can now be distinguished. Moreover, global leaders among rehabilitation robot suppliers can be identified. Nevertheless, there is still room for new companies operating locally for the benefit of their communities. An adequate research & development base and the advancement of R&D works are necessary for the development of rehabilitation robot manufacturing in new countries. This article presents the situation in this field in Poland.

Abstract: Mounting robot arms on wheelchairs has been identified as means of allowing persons with locomotor disabilities to conduct certain tasks autonomously. The paper presents an innovative solution of a pneumatic muscle actuated rotation-translation system, as an improved alternative to the vast majority of electrically actuated robot arms. This system acts as an interface between the wheelchair and the actual arm, and its light and compliant constructions ensures impact safety in the immediate vicinity of humans or in narrow working spaces.

Abstract: Robotic exoskeleton system has been found to be an active area of study which being used in human power augmentation, human power assistance, robotic rehabilitation, and haptic interaction in virtual reality developed in recent robotic research. In recent years, the application of robotic exoskeleton has become more prominent as to provide alternative solutions for physically less incapable people (PLIP) support in their daily movements. Most common difficulties faced by PLIP are in sit-to-stand, ascending and descending staircases. Unlike industrial robots, the robotic exoskeleton systems need to consider a special design because they directly interact with human user. In the mechanical design of these systems, human and robotic suitable kinematics, wearer safety, human user comfort wearing, low inertia, and adaptability should be especially considered. Controllability, responsiveness, flexible and smooth motion generation, and safety should especially be considered in the controllers of exoskeleton systems. Furthermore, the controller should generate the motions in accordance with the human motion intention. This paper briefly reviews the lower-limb robotic exoskeleton systems. In the short review, it is focused to identify the brief history, basic concept, challenges, and future development of the robotic exoskeleton systems to assist the physically less incapable people (PLIP) in rising up, sitting, ascending and descending staircases. Furthermore, key technologies of lower-limb exoskeleton systems are reviewed by taking state-of-the-art robot as examples. Keywords: List the Robotic exoskeleton systems, rehabilitation robotics, man-machine intelligent system

Abstract: Currently in neurorehabilitation robotic devices are mostly applied for rehabilitation of the motor functions of the lower and upper extremities. Even if in recent research autonomous and humanoid robots are being used for cognitive rehabilitation robot medicated therapy predominately supports relearning of motor functions for subjects suffering from stroke, spinal cord injury or other neurological conditions. This review paper provides a summary of the main features and applied methods, and presents some examples to outline the large diversity of currently used devices. Future challenges for rehabilitation robotics to reach full clinical acceptance are clear answers regarding the optimal dosage of movement therapy and right inclusion/exclusion criteria for specific treatments.

Abstract: Advanced Rehabilitation Technology provides complex tools with both therapeutical and assistive function. Both designing and therapeutic use of these cybernetic organisms need a sustained interdisciplinary collaboration, the achievements in this domain being the result of the team work of software specialists, researchers from medical, kinematic, technical, electronic, military, sports fields, psychologists, philosophers, bioethics specialists, and not least, of the specialists from medical and neurological rehabilitation clinics and their patients.