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Researchers have developed a first-of-its-kind, two-armed, robotic rehabilitation exoskeleton that could provide a new method of high-quality, data-driven therapy to patients suffering from spinal and neurological injuries. Mechanical engineering researchers designed the exoskeleton, named HARMONY, to deliver full upper-body therapy with natural motion and tunable pressure and force, enabling the robot to feel weightless to patients.
HARMONY’s software will give therapists and doctors the ability to deliver precise therapy while tracking and analyzing data. The researchers believe the robot will be used to help patients recover strength and motor skills after injuries, and it could help patients recover coordination for daily activities such as eating and dressing. Its design accommodates the entire upper body, setting the robot apart from existing technologies that focus on only one arm and limit bilateral training possibilities.Image credit: Bongsu Kim, Cockrell School of Engineering
