Neurorehabilitation and Robotics

A significant proportion of children with cerebral palsy suffer from sensory and motor impairments that affect their upper extremity function

Current studies show that robotically-facilitated repetitive movement training might be an effective stimulus for normalizing upper extremity motor control in children who have had cerebral palsy

When VR simulations are interfaced with robotic devices, movement tracking and sensing, and haptic glove systems, they can provide an engaging, motivating, and adaptable environment

Design and Development
- HapticMaster Robotic Arm with ring gimbal
- Force-controlled haptic interface
- 6 degrees of freedom (X, Y, and Z, Pitch, Yaw and Roll)
- Acceleration, velocity and position are calculated in real time
- Haptic effects can be generated
- Variable damping, assistance force, and working space for children
- Software: C++, OpenGL, Virtools
- Safety Guards: Subject is always seated, mechanical stop button

Current Work and Evaluation
- System feasibility trial is finished with two control twins ( 5 years old). December 2007
- System feasibility trial is finished with two hemiplegic children (9 years old and 16 years old). January 2008
- Three weeks of pilot study with subjects at Children Specialized Hospital. June 2008
- Two sets of three weeks study with subjects at Camp Open Arms is finished, summer 2008