Sensor Fusion in Assistive and Rehabilitation Robotics

Sensors, 2020 · DOI: 10.3390/s20185235 · Published: September 14, 2020

Assistive Technology Rehabilitation Biomedical

Simple Explanation

As the population ages, more people experience sensory-motor disabilities, and robotic technologies can greatly help. Rehabilitation robots aid stroke survivors, prostheses replace limbs, and orthoses/exoskeletons strengthen weakened body parts, improving life quality. Assistive robots face challenges in intelligently recognizing user needs and environmental factors to provide appropriate support. Sensor fusion algorithms are needed to combine data from multiple sensors for decision-making and control. This special issue showcases recent sensor fusion advances in assistive and rehabilitation robots. The aim is for these technologies to reach clinical evaluation and become widespread, improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Study Duration

Not specified

Participants

Varies by study, some with elderly participants or elbow trauma patients, others single-subject evaluations or surveys

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Wheelchair robot with leg exoskeletons and sensor fusion shows promise for leg muscle exercise.
2
Lower-limb rehabilitation robot using biofeedback-based training demonstrates feasibility, indicating directions for future improvement.
3
Teleceptive sensing has high potential for providing environmental and contextual awareness that could greatly improve the eﬀectiveness and robustness of assistive robots.

Research Summary

This editorial introduces a special issue on sensor fusion in assistive and rehabilitation robotics, highlighting the increasing need for such technologies due to the aging population and the prevalence of sensory-motor disabilities. The issue includes eight papers presenting technological advances in areas such as wheelchair robots, lower-limb rehabilitation, gait phase partitioning, muscle health models, upper-limb training, and environmental sensing for assistive devices. The editors express hope that the presented technologies will advance to clinical practice and inspire further research in this field, ultimately improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

Practical Implications

Enhanced Rehabilitation

Sensor fusion can improve rehabilitation robots, offering personalized and effective therapies.

Improved Assistive Devices

Integrating environmental data via sensor fusion can enhance the functionality and adaptability of assistive devices like prosthetics and exoskeletons.

Expanded Accessibility

Developments in sensor fusion can lead to more affordable and accessible rehabilitation tools for home and community use.

Study Limitations

1
Limited adoption of robotic technologies in healthcare facilities.
2
Variability in data sources affects gait prediction accuracy in lower-limb prostheses.
3
Clinical translation barriers for teleceptive sensing in wearable assistive robotic devices.

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