Haptic induced motor learning and the extension of its benefits to stroke patients

In this research, the Haptic Master robotic arm and virtual environments are used to induce motor learning in subjects with no known musculoskeletal or neurological disorders. It is found in this research that both perception and performance of the subject are increased through the haptic and visual feedback delivered through the Haptic Master. These system benefits may be extended to enhance therapies for patients with loss of motor skills due to neurological disease or brain injury. Force and visual feedback were manipulated within virtual environment scenarios to facilitate learning. In one force feedback condition, the subject is required to maneuver a sphere through a haptic maze or linear channel. In the second feedback condition, the subject\u27s movement was stopped when the sphere came in contact with the haptic walls. To resume movement, the force vector had to be redirected towards the optimal trajectory. To analyze the efficiency of the various scenarios, the area between the optimal and actual trajectories was used as a measure of learning. The results from this research demonstrated that within more complex environments one type of force feedback was more successful in facilitating motor learning. In a simpler environment, two out of three subjects experienced a higher degree of motor learning with the same type of force feedback. Learning is not enhanced with the presence of visual feedback. Also, in nearly all studied cases, the primary limitation to learning is shoulder and attention fatigue brought on by the experimentation

Dexmo: An inexpensive and lightweight mechanical exoskeleton for motion capture and force feedback in VR

We present Dexmo: an inexpensive and lightweight mechanical exoskeleton system for motion capturing and force feedback in virtual reality applications. Dexmo combines multiple types of sensors, actuation units and link rod structures to provide users with a pleasant virtual reality experience. The device tracks the user’s motion and uniquely provides passive force feedback. In combination with a 3D graphics rendered environment, Dexmo provides the user with a realistic sensation of interaction when a user is for example grasping an object. An initial evaluation with 20 participants demonstrate that the device is working reliably and that the addition of force feedback resulted in a significant reduction in error rate. Informal comments by the participants were overwhelmingly positive.This is the accepted manuscript. The final version is available at http://dl.acm.org/citation.cfm?doid=2858036.2858487

Desarrollo de un guante ortótico para proveer asistencia en la extensión de los dedos a pacientes que han sufrido derrame cerebral

An externally actuated glove, controlled by a microprocessor, is being developed to assist fi nger extension in stroke survivors. The goal of this device is to allow repeated practice of specifi c tasks for hand therapy in the home environment. The device allows the user three control modes: voice recognition, electromyography or manual. These modes can be used either independently or combined according to the needs of the user. Both position and force feedback are available for control and safety. Initial testing of the prototype has shown promising performance.Se presenta el desarrollo de un guante activado externamente y controlado por un microprocesador para asistir la extensión de los dedos en pacientes con derrame cerebral. La meta del dispositivo es permitir la repetición de tareas específi cas para realizar terapia de la mano en un ambiente casero. El usuario puede controlar el dispositivo por tres medios diferentes: reconocimiento de voz, electromiografía o manualmente. Estos medios pueden ser usados tanto independientemente como en combinación según las necesidades del paciente. Para el control y la seguridad, se tiene retroalimentación de posición y de fuerza. Las pruebas iniciales del prototipo han demostrado un desempeño prometedo

Robotic Rehabilitation System In Malaysia

The goal of this project entitled Robotic Rehabititation System in Malaysia is to examine the purpose of robotics to therapeutic procedures for achieving the finest possible motor and functional recovery for persons with impairments following various diseases such as amputations, life-threatening wounds, brain injury, pain management issues, orthopaedics, pulmonary, spinal cord injuries and strokes. Feasibility study and research concerning robotic rehabilitation system iue prepared for the development of robotic based rehabilitation system in Malaysia to be fulfilled. However, there are significant research challenges in developing and testing rehabilitation robots so that they meet the requirements of the patients. The technology must be capable of improving person's impaired limbs or part of the body. In addition, robots must be able to understand the complexity of human type of movements. Thus, non-robotic rehabilitation centre can be transformed to a robotic based rehabilitation centre by analysing the possibility of transforming the current practice of rehabilitation programs conducted via physiotherapist to an automated rehabilitation activity by means of robot follows with good evidence on how robots might enhance the delivery of robotic rehabilitation to people of all ages

Review and Analysis on Main Technology of Exoskeletal Robot System for Upper Limbs Rehabilitation

Major function of exoskeletal robot system for upper limbs rehabilitation is to assist patient to carry out upper limbs’ rehabilitation training. Main technology of exoskeletal robot system for upper limbs rehabilitation includes design of mechanical structure of exoskeletal robot, design of control system of exoskeletal robot and implemention of data and information transmission between exoskeletal robot and upper limbs of human body. Currently implemention of data and information transmission rely mainly on methods of acquiring sEMG signal and force feedback. Reviewing and analyzing the specific technical development and deficiency in field of exoskeletal robot system for upper limbs rehabilitation will be important way in improving and upgrading the technology in future

Virtual reality for assembly methods prototyping: a review

Assembly planning and evaluation is an important component of the product design process in which details about how parts of a new product will be put together are formalized. A well designed assembly process should take into account various factors such as optimum assembly time and sequence, tooling and fixture requirements, ergonomics, operator safety, and accessibility, among others. Existing computer-based tools to support virtual assembly either concentrate solely on representation of the geometry of parts and fixtures and evaluation of clearances and tolerances or use simulated human mannequins to approximate human interaction in the assembly process. Virtual reality technology has the potential to support integration of natural human motions into the computer aided assembly planning environment (Ritchie et al. in Proc I MECH E Part B J Eng 213(5):461–474, 1999). This would allow evaluations of an assembler’s ability to manipulate and assemble parts and result in reduced time and cost for product design. This paper provides a review of the research in virtual assembly and categorizes the different approaches. Finally, critical requirements and directions for future research are presented