Intelligent Systems for Rehabilitation Engineering

A systems approach, mechatronics, mobility sensors, cost/benefit ratio, and softness were discussed for rehabilitation robotics [41]. An exoskeleton robot WOTAS was introduced and was loaded with control strategies that were based on biomechanical loading [42]. The analysis and applications of MEMS technology were tested by applying it to exoskeleton-based bio-mechatronic robotic systems [43]. Based on EMG signals, the torque produced by the muscles was determined using a biomechanical model, and it was predicted whether the proposed model was feasible or not [44]. An ankle rehabilitation robotic device was built, and its mechanical performance was tested [45].

Human–machine integration includes the tactics incorporated for better communication between machines and humans. The structure and implementation of CURL language, MUSIIC, RoboGlyph, and multitasking operator robotic system were presented [46]. The architecture of ARCHIN was produced whose task was to integrate machines with humans, and its performance was evaluated [47]. The perspective of human–machine interaction was presented, which included the issues faced by it and the solution to them [48].

A 2D vision-based localization system was illustrated, which could identify the light-emitting markers. It was equipped with a web camera and human–machine interaction interface [49]. An attempt was made for bridging the gap between assistive robotic systems and smart homes. Robotic system assisted the patient and smart home adjusted as per the requirements of the patient [50]. An algorithm was proposed for the therapy of impaired patients, which adopted with the patients as they recovered [51]. The feed-forward neural network (FFNN) was used for the determination of EMG signals from eight shoulder muscles [52]. A diagram representing the architecture of the feed-forward neural network (FFNN) to obtain the EMG signal from the different shoulder muscles is shown in Figure 1.1.

Figure 1.1 The architecture of the feed-forward neural network (FFNN) to obtain EMG signals from shoulder muscles.

Table 1.2 Summary of certain studies which explored smart robotics for rehabilitation.

VR technology was integrated with multimodal displays, which provided feedback information to the patient and motivated him [53]. The facial emotions were determined using the thermal images for speech disorder patients using a confusion matrix [54]. The decision-making ability of task-oriented rehabilitation robot was tested on BAXTER robot, and its feasibility was determined [55]. A synopsis of the above discussion on the smart robotics being employed for rehabilitation purposes is deliberated in Table 1.2.

Table 1.2summarizes some of the work that presented smart robotics for rehabilitation purposes. The work done in VR and NN technologies will instigate future research in this field.

The stability of teaching-in method was estimated by applying it to rehabilitation robotics where it is the least error and fastest settling force was also calculated [56]. The prototype of device that enabled humans to feel and visualize synthetic objectives was designed [57]. Development of pneumatic controlled orthosis was described for stroke patients, and it was capable of position control of the robotic arm [58]. Design and interfacing of active leg exoskeleton (ALEX) were described for patients with impairment in which active force-field controller was used [59]. The complex nature of bio-cooperative rehabilitation systems and its control strategies was discussed. The probable solution to these problems was also described [60]. The stability analysis of rehabilitation robotics was presented, which consisted of the design of a controller to suppress the unintended movements [61]. An admittance control algorithm was applied on an underdevelopment rehabilitation robotics, and its preliminary report was generated [62]. The summary of the control aspects and the stability issues are presented in Table 1.3.

Thus, Table 1.3enlists some of the work done in the field of control theory and stability analysis associated with robotics employed for rehabilitation purposes.

Table 1.3 Summary of certain articles on the control and stability analysis.