Eiko Hirookai

Papers

Total Citations

H-Index

About

Dr. Eiko Hirookai is a pioneering researcher in rehabilitation robotics, with a focused expertise in the design and actuation of wearable orthotic devices for post-stroke gait recovery. Her most notable contribution is the innovative robotization of the double-bar ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), a standard tool in rehabilitation clinics. By integrating a modular joint, a pneumatic actuator, and a Bowden cable force transmission system, she transformed a passive brace into an active, assistive device. This work, detailed in her highly cited 2018 paper "Robotizing Double-Bar Ankle-Foot Orthosis" (17 citations), addresses a critical gap in accessible, powered rehabilitation technology. Dr. Hirookai’s approach uniquely balances clinical practicality with advanced mechatronics, making robotic gait training more feasible for widespread use. Her research not only advances the field of soft and modular robotics but also holds direct promise for improving mobility outcomes in stroke survivors. Through this seminal work, she has established herself as a key innovator at the intersection of biomechanics, pneumatic actuation, and neurorehabilitation.