Robotic rehab tool gets to the knee of the matter

Researchers from China and Denmark jointly have designed a lower-limb robot exoskeleton that might help those who have had a stroke more easily regain their walking abilities.

What makes this innovation unique is that it focuses specifically on the knee joint as opposed to lower limbs.

“Our new design features a parallel knee joint to improve the bio-imitability and adaptability of the exoskeleton,” said Weihai Chen, a professor at Beihang University’s School of Automation Science and Electrical Engineering in Beijing.

By imitating the movements of an actual knee, investigators believe they will make rehabilitation easier. Investigators are also developing a related virtual training game to make the experience more pleasant. Full findings appear in Review of Scientific Instruments.