Robert Riener
University of Zurich, Universitätsklinik Balgrist, ETH Zurich, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, Board of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology, Technical University of Munich, Department of Medical Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Institute of Robotics, Klinikum rechts der Isar
Papers
272
Total Citations
13,697
H-Index
56
About
Robert Riener is a pioneering figure in rehabilitation robotics and human-machine interaction, whose research has fundamentally shaped how technology supports neurological recovery and motor function restoration. His work spans robotic neurorehabilitation, wearable assistive devices, and patient-cooperative control strategies, with a particular focus on restoring mobility and upper limb function in stroke survivors and individuals with neurological impairments. Riener's most influential contributions include the development of the ARMin exoskeleton series for arm therapy, which introduced ergonomic shoulder actuation and patient-adaptive control to robot-assisted stroke rehabilitation. His 2015 review of control strategies for active lower limb prosthetics and orthotics has become a foundational reference in the field, amassing over 1,000 citations. His pioneering work on patient-cooperative treadmill training and path control algorithms transformed how rehabilitation robots interact with users — moving from rigid, predefined movements toward responsive, individualized therapy. With multiple papers exceeding 400 citations and a body of work encompassing clinical trials, biofeedback systems, and comprehensive reviews, Riener has profoundly influenced both the science and practice of robotic rehabilitation, offering students and clinicians alike a roadmap for the future of technology-assisted recovery.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Control strategies for active lower extremity prosthetics and orthotics: a review1,053 citations · 2015
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- 4ARMin: a robot for patient-cooperative arm therapy437 citations · 2007
- 5Path Control: A Method for Patient-Cooperative Robot-Aided Gait Rehabilitation429 citations · 2009
- 6Robot-aided neurorehabilitation of the upper extremities407 citations · 2005
- 7ARMin III – Arm Therapy Exoskeleton with an Ergonomic Shoulder Actuation404 citations · 2009
- 8Biofeedback for robotic gait rehabilitation297 citations · 2007
- 9Towards more effective robotic gait training for stroke rehabilitation: a review275 citations · 2012
- 10ARMin III – Arm Therapy Exoskeleton with an Ergonomic Shoulder Actuation267 citations · 2009