Human-robot interaction control of neurorehabilitation robots

Abstract

Rehabilitation robotics is a rapidly developing field that shows great potential for aiding people with movement disabilities in their recovery, and consequently in improving their quality of life and independence. Rehabilitation robots not only serve as physical aids to therapists, but also present new avenues in rehabilitation that were formerly unavailable. Increased motivation can be achieved via interactive virtual environments. Their integrated sensing and data logging abilities can provide quantitative feedback on the patient progress and therapy outcomes, which in turn can guide us in defining more effective therapy methods.