Researchers at University of Hertfordshire Develop Tele-Robotic Platform for Aiding Stroke Patients

Researchers from the University of Hertfordshire have begun work on a three-year project for developing robots that will assist in the rehabilitation of stroke patients. Dr. Farshid Amirabdollahian, one of the chief researchers, is co-ordinating the project work along with a new FP7 European project called Supervised Care and Rehabilitation Involving Personal Tele-Robotics (SCRIPT).

The primary aim of the project is to develop a robot that will enable the patient to repeatedly move the wrist and hand during critical phases of stroke rehabilitation. Dr. Amirabdollahian explained that in stroke rehabilitation, the most important aspect was the hand and wrist movements. He added that the robotic prototypes developed as part of the project can be used at home for gaining independent hand and wrist movement. The researchers intend to develop a tele-robotic platform for communication which the patients can install at their homes and access to the system can be provided at a remote location such as hospital, healthcare homes etc. The team is utilising their expertise in interactive systems and robotics as the base and will delve further into developing a system that facilitates human-robot interaction. The SCRIPT project will focus mainly on adapting robotic concepts towards natural therapeutic interaction. Apart from assisting the patients in their movement ,the robot will also be providing live feedback to healthcare professionals.