A planar 3DOF robotic exoskeleton for rehabilitation and assessment

Abstract

A new robotic exoskeleton for the upper-limb has been designed and constructed. Its primary purpose is to act as a proof-of-concept prototype for a more sophisticated rehabilitation and assessment device that is currently in development. Simultaneously, it is intended to extend the capabilities of an existing planar exoskeleton device. The robot operates in the horizontal plane and provides independent control of a user's shoulder, elbow and wrist joints using a cable-driven actuation system. The novel component of the design is a curved track and carriage which allows the mechanism that drives the shoulder joint to be located away from the user, underneath their arm. This paper describes the design of the robot, and provides an initial indication of its performance.