Hiroko Austin

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Dr. Hiroko Austin is a pioneering researcher in the field of rehabilitation robotics, with a focused expertise in developing assistive technologies for stroke recovery. Her work centers on robot-assisted therapy, specifically through the design and control of the RUPERT (Robotic Upper Extremity Repetitive Therapy) exoskeleton—a wearable device powered by pneumatic muscle actuators. Dr. Austin’s major contributions include demonstrating the feasibility of home-based robotic rehabilitation, showing that intensive, task-based repetitive therapy can induce neural plasticity and functional recovery in stroke survivors. She has advanced closed-loop control systems for RUPERT, ensuring precise, adaptive assistance during therapy. Her innovative "cooperative and active assistance" framework promotes patient engagement by providing performance-based support only when needed, fostering active participation and motor learning. With her most-cited papers accumulating over 40 citations, Dr. Austin’s work has laid critical groundwork for accessible, effective home rehabilitation solutions. Her achievements highlight a commitment to translating engineering principles into tangible clinical benefits, making her a notable figure in neurorehabilitation and human-robot interaction.