To maximise motor recovery for people with acquired brain damage. This is the objective of the robot created by researchers from the Biomedical Neuroengineering Group from the Miguel Hernández University (UMH) of Elche and the iDRhA spin-off so that those patients with arm or hand mobility problems can continue their rehabilitation at home once their hospital based therapy has been completed.
This rehabilitation robot is indicated for people with acquired brain damage caused by a stroke or a cerebral infarction since this helps improve mobility problems as well as those of a cognitive nature
This device integrates a virtual reality system with various “games”, whereby patients execute a series of movements by means of a robotic arm. For example, one of these games consists of picking an apple from a tree and putting it in a basket located below.
According to the UMH researchers, this rehabilitation robot is indicated for people with acquired brain damage caused by a stroke or a cerebral infarction since this helps improve mobility problems as well as those of a cognitive nature. The system that they have created is portable and low cost. Furthermore, thanks to the use of algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence, it is capable of monitoring the patient and adapting, in real time, therapies to their needs, according to their age, the type of injury or the stage of the rehabilitation process. On the other hand, the system incorporates a series of sensors which allow the clinician, to follow the patient’s progress from the hospital.
This UMH project has received 55,000 euros from the Valencian Institute of Business Competitiveness (IVACE). The prototype is currently in the validation phase in different hospital settings. The researchers hope that the robot will be able to reach the homes of patients in around 5 months.