Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Luigi Borelli is a pioneer in robotic rehabilitation and human-robot interaction, with a career dedicated to restoring motor function through cutting-edge technology. His research centers on the design and clinical application of robotic exoskeletons, particularly for upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke. Borelli’s major contribution is the development of the PERCRO L-Exos, a 5-degree-of-freedom force-feedback exoskeleton that integrates virtual reality (VR) environments to enhance patient motivation and therapy outcomes. His landmark 2007 study on arm rehabilitation with a robotic exoskeleton in VR, cited over 155 times, demonstrated that early, intensive, and constant therapy—often costly in human resources—can be effectively delivered through robotic assistance. This work laid the foundation for more efficient therapeutic procedures. In a subsequent pilot clinical study (54 citations), Borelli showed that VR-based scenarios dramatically increase patient engagement, leading to better recovery. His 2008 clinical trial with chronic stroke patients further validated the L-Exos system’s suitability for robotic-assisted rehabilitation. Borelli also contributed to the design of fully actuated body extenders for material handling, addressing transparency and force control challenges. His work has profoundly impacted neurorehabilitation, offering scalable, technology-driven solutions for stroke recovery.