Neurorehabilitation Robotics: Recent Trends and Novel Applications

A special issue of Robotics (ISSN 2218-6581). This special issue belongs to the section "Neurorobotics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2024) | Viewed by 7105

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Physical Therapy, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel
Interests: neurorehabilitation; human–robotic interaction; neurorobotics; stroke; motor control; motor learning

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Guest Editor
CNRS Researcher, Institut de Neurosciences de la Timone-Aix-Marseille Université, 13385 Marseille, France
Interests: social cognitive neuroscience; fMRI; human-robot interaction; spsychiatry; autism
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Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

In the last few years, there has been a growing interest in the application of robotics in the rehabilitation of various neurological conditions. While rehabilitation robotics has the potential to assist patients, their family members, and clinical teams in the long and arduous rehabilitation process, the use of such technologies has not yet reached its full potential in terms of being in routine clinical and research usage.

This Special Issue aims to discuss state-of-the-art research and methodologies, addressing the challenges facing researchers and clinicians in the various fields and applications of robot rehabilitation. These fields can be related, but not limited, to the following:

  • Motor control and motor learning;
  • Robotics for upper-limb or lower-limb rehabilitation;
  • Gait and balance robotics;
  • Robotics for stroke and other neurological condition rehabilitation;
  • Exoskeleton, end effector, and social robots for neurorehabilitation;
  • Gamification;
  • Application of EEG and EMG in neurorobotics.

Dr. Ronit Feingold Polak
Dr. Thierry Chaminade
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • neurorehabilitation
  • human–robotic interaction
  • neurorobotics
  • stroke
  • assistive technology
  • exoskeleton
  • end effector robotics
  • gamification
  • Parkinson’s
  • multiple sclerosis
  • motivation
  • engagement

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Review

28 pages, 1413 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Control Challenges and Methods in End-Effector Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Robots
by Dalia M. Mahfouz, Omar M. Shehata, Elsayed I. Morgan and Filippo Arrichiello
Robotics 2024, 13(12), 181; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13120181 - 18 Dec 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1965
Abstract
In the last decades, there has been an increasing number of human patients who suffer from upper-limb disorders limiting their motor abilities. One of the possible solutions that gained extensive research interest is the development of robot-aided rehabilitation training setups, including either end-effector [...] Read more.
In the last decades, there has been an increasing number of human patients who suffer from upper-limb disorders limiting their motor abilities. One of the possible solutions that gained extensive research interest is the development of robot-aided rehabilitation training setups, including either end-effector or exoskeleton robots, which showed various advantages compared to traditional manual rehabilitation therapy. One of the main challenges of these systems is to control the robot’s motion to track a desirable rehabilitation training trajectory while being affected by either voluntary or involuntary human forces depending on the patient’s recovery state. Several previous studies have been targeting exoskeleton robotic systems focusing on their structure, clinical features, and control methods, with limited review on end-effector-based robotic rehabilitation systems. In this regard, an overview of the most common end-effector robotic devices used for upper-limb rehabilitation is provided in this paper, describing their mechanical structure, features, clinical application, commercialization, advantages, and shortcomings. Additionally, a comprehensive review on possible control methods applied to end-effector rehabilitation exploitation is presented. These control methods are categorized as conventional, robust, intelligent, and most importantly, adaptive controllers implemented to serve for diverse rehabilitation control modes, addressing their development, implementation, findings, and possible drawbacks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurorehabilitation Robotics: Recent Trends and Novel Applications)
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25 pages, 3493 KiB  
Review
Intelligent Robotics in Pediatric Cooperative Neurorehabilitation: A Review
by Elishai Ezra Tsur and Odelia Elkana
Robotics 2024, 13(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/robotics13030049 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4333
Abstract
The landscape of neurorehabilitation is undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven robotics. This review addresses the pressing need for advancements in pediatric neurorehabilitation and underscores the pivotal role of AI-driven robotics in addressing existing gaps. By leveraging AI [...] Read more.
The landscape of neurorehabilitation is undergoing a profound transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven robotics. This review addresses the pressing need for advancements in pediatric neurorehabilitation and underscores the pivotal role of AI-driven robotics in addressing existing gaps. By leveraging AI technologies, robotic systems can transcend the limitations of preprogrammed guidelines and adapt to individual patient needs, thereby fostering patient-centric care. This review explores recent strides in social and diagnostic robotics, physical therapy, assistive robotics, smart interfaces, and cognitive training within the context of pediatric neurorehabilitation. Furthermore, it examines the impact of emerging AI techniques, including artificial emotional intelligence, interactive reinforcement learning, and natural language processing, on enhancing cooperative neurorehabilitation outcomes. Importantly, the review underscores the imperative of responsible AI deployment and emphasizes the significance of unbiased, explainable, and interpretable models in fostering adaptability and effectiveness in pediatric neurorehabilitation settings. In conclusion, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape of AI-driven robotics in pediatric neurorehabilitation and offers valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neurorehabilitation Robotics: Recent Trends and Novel Applications)
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