AGREE: A Compliant-Controlled Upper-Limb Exoskeleton for Physical Rehabilitation of Neurological Patients

Abstract

In this work, we introduce the AGREE exoskeleton, a robotic device designed to assist in upper-limb physical rehabilitation for post-stroke survivors. We detail the exoskeleton design at the mechatronic, actuation, and control levels. The AGREE exoskeleton features a lightweight and adaptable mechanical design, which can be used with both the right and left arm, supporting three active degrees-of-freedom at the shoulder and one at the elbow. The device embodies a spring-pulley anti-gravity system to minimize torque requirements and has torque sensors on each joint for safe and smooth interaction with the user. The AGREE control system, which employs a loadcell-based impedance control method, offers various modes of human-robot interaction, such as passive-assisted, active-assisted, and active-resistive exercises. Results from our experimental characterization demonstrate that the exoskeleton is capable of both compliant and rigid behavior, providing a wide range of haptic impedance and transparent behavior to both user-generated and therapist-generated forces. Our findings indicate that the AGREE exoskeleton may be a viable option for safely assisting patients with neurological conditions.