Robotic synchronized to human gesture as a virtual coach in (re)habilitation therapy

Abstract

This paper describes the latest developments of the SoundScapes [Brooks 2004] body of research which is utilizing technology in assistive rehabilitation and habilitation from Virtual Interactive Space (VIS) [Brooks 1999]. This paper exhibits the implementation of robotic physical movement synchronously manipulated from sourced data movement information of a human. The user groups are children with severe physical/multi disabilities. The sourced capture of the human data is from enhanced virtual interactive space created from sensors. The results highlight the positive effect of physical control by those with limited facility and conclude at the potential of implementation as a supplement to traditional therapy techniques.