[Abstract+References] A Low-Cost and Lightweight Alternative to Rehabilitation Robots: Omnidirectional Interactive Mobile Robot for Arm Rehabilitation

Abstract

Robotic rehabilitation is a growing field. Robots facilitate repetitive therapies, which have positive effects on the rehabilitation of patients who lack arm control because of central nervous system lesions. However, the use of such rehabilitation robots is rare due to high costs and low acceptance among patients. Therefore, this study is focused on the development and control of a novel low-cost omnidirectional interactive mobile robotic platform with force feedback to assist and guide a patient’s hand during therapy. The primary goals for such a mobile robot are to minimize its weight and dimensions, which are significant factors in patient acceptance. Position-based stiffness control was employed with a proportional derivative controller to control the position of the robot and to assist the patient during motion. A user interface with given tasks was built to manage tasks, obtain test results and set control variables. Test results showed that the developed experimental mobile robot successfully assisted and guided the user during the test period.

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Source: A Low-Cost and Lightweight Alternative to Rehabilitation Robots: Omnidirectional Interactive Mobile Robot for Arm Rehabilitation | SpringerLink

[WEB SITE] Andago – The First of Its Kind Mobile Robot for Rehabilitation is Now Available in USA

The newest member of the Hocoma robotic device family, Andago®, is commercially available in USA now.

Andago (Photo: Business Wire)

March 22, 2016 10:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

NORWELL, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Andago is the first of its kind mobile robot opening up new perspectives in functional gait therapy with dynamic body-weight support. Andago provides safe, mobile and versatile training on the way back to independent living.

The first Andago in the United States was purchased by Moss Rehab in Pennsylvania. With 17 medical robots installed, Moss Rehab is currently the largest user of such devices in the country.

“The Andago offers flexibility and ease of use and I like its versatility, which should allow us to optimally prepare our patients for the wide variety of environments and challenges they need to master in everyday activities,” Moss Rehab’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Alberto Esquenazi says about the main advantages of the Andago.

Dr. Esquenazi points out that it will enable patients who have had a stroke or a traumatic brain injury to move more quickly from supported or assisted gait to unsupported walking. It also enables one therapist to work with a patient instead of the two or three who are required with other techniques.

“We are excited to make the Andago available to the US market,” says Frank Menzler, Executive Vice President of Hocoma North America. “Andago allows upright, hands-free walking without spatial limitations. It bridges the gap between treadmill-based gait training and free walking, and offers a safe and functional environment.”

 

Press images

www.hocoma.com/de/mediencenter/pressebilder/

About Hocoma

A successful therapy begins in patients’ heads. In the firm belief that – step by step – they can reach their goals and regain quality of life.

This is what we work for at the Swiss medtech company Hocoma. With technologies and ideas that look at functional movement therapy from a completely different angle. Because they enable independent exercises and create maximum motivation. Because they challenge people to take courage and support their hopes with personal achievements.

We are committed to creating the ideal therapy. Our awarded robotic and sensor-based devices offer solutions for intensive gait therapy (Lokomat®, Andago®), functional therapy of the upper extremities (Armeo®), robotic mobilization and functional electrical stimulation in early rehabilitation (Erigo®) as well as functional movement therapy within low back pain treatment (Valedo® Therapy Concept) at home and at the clinic. They are the result of intensive research, consistent development and continuous exchange with patients, therapists and partners in research and science.

Those who see to break new grounds need to stay open to exceptional ideas. They have the potential of being exceptionally effective. This guiding principle by Hocoma founder and CEO Dr. Gery Colombo has accompanied us since our start in 2000 and is still lived and implemented by our dedicated employees around the world. At the headquarters in Volketswil near Zurich (Switzerland) and the subsidiaries in the USA, Singapore and Slovenia they achieved a turnover of more than 30 million CHF in 2014.

Product Disclaimer

All Hocoma products are medical devices and must be used in strict adherence to the User Manual; failure to do so may result in serious personal injury. It is strongly recommended that you regularly consult Hocoma’s website (www.hocoma.com/legalnotes) for the latest available information. Please contact Hocoma in case of any questions.

Use only under the supervision of qualified medical personnel. However, certain Hocoma products are marketed for home use and must be strictly used according to the recommendations of your medical care provider who is knowledgeable about your specific needs. Consult the User Manual and Hocoma’s website (www.hocoma.com/legalnotes) for appropriate product designation. Failure to obtain and follow the recommendations of your medical care provider may result in serious personal injury.

This information provides details about medical products which may not be available in all countries and may not have received approval or market clearance by all governmental regulatory bodies throughout the world. Nothing herein should be construed as a solicitation or promotion of any product or of an indication of any specific use for any product which is not authorized by the laws and regulations of the country where the reader of this information resides.

Contacts

United States:
Hocoma Inc.
Frank Menzler, 877-944-2200
Executive VP & General Manager North America
info.usa@hocoma.com
Fax: 781-792-0104
www.hocoma.com
or
Headquarters:
Hocoma AG
Mike Fuhrmann, +41 43 444 23 65
Chief Creative Officer
media@hocoma.com
Fax: +41 43 444 22 01
www.hocoma.com

Source: Andago – The First of Its Kind Mobile Robot for Rehabilitation is Now Available in USA | Business Wire