Development of a new robotic interface for telerehabilitation

Abstract

A system was developed to use gestural interface technology and interactive robotics to facilitate motor development, functional mobility, and speech and language development of children with a wide range of disabilities. The prototype Gestural Interface and Robotic Technology system is an interactive robotic rehabilitation tool, disguised as a toy, which can be controlled via almost any part of the body, through voice-activation, or through a Web-enabled computer interface. Children with disabilities will be able to increase abilities using a playful, therapeutic toy, for various applications that can be programmed by parents, teachers, and therapists.