Adaptable Robotic Platform for Gait Rehabilitation and Assistance: Design Concepts and Applications

Abstract

Robot-assisted rehabilitation and assistance devices are emerging as a new possibility to help individuals with motor impairment for recovering or compensating lost motor control. In this context, The AGoRA (Development of an Adaptable Robotic Platform for Gait Rehabilitation and Assistance) Project is focused on the development on a novel and affordable robotic platform to provide physical and cognitive support in rehabilitation scenarios. This project combines biomechatronic exoskeletons with a smart walker for mobility assistance and gait rehabilitation. This chapter reviews key concepts developed into The AGoRA project, such as: biomecatronic design, sensor interfaces, control strategies for exoskeletons and smart walkers and some examples performing trials with non-pathological and pathological users.