Human-Robot Interaction Strategies for Rehabilitation based on Socially Assistive Robotics (IAPP\1516\137 / 2016-2018)

Funding

Royal Academy of Engineering - Industry-Academia Partnership Programme Colombia/UK, Colombian School of Engineering Julio Garavito, Plymouth University, Clinica Universidad de la Sabana and TLM Andina.

Abstract

There is a variety of motor disorders due to damage in the human Central Nervous System (CNS). Such motor disorders might have the origin in the brain or in spinal cord structures. Stroke and spinal cord injuries (SCI) are the most common causes of paralysis and paresis. Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common cause of permanent serious physical disability in childhood. Under these circumstances, new strategies are needed to help to promote, maintain, and rehabilitate the functional capacity. Socially Assistive Robotics (SAR) is a growing research area at the intersection of robotics, health science, psychology, social and cognitive science. Individuals in rehabilitation therapy could be beneficial of socially assistive technology. SAR can offer cost-effective methods for aiding recovery by maximizing the patient motivation both during and after structured rehabilitation. This project intends to represent a breakthrough in the research of rehabilitation robotics in close cooperation with the patient; the project will focus its activities on new socially assistive robotics systems for rehabilitation therapy of Strokes, SCI and CP.