Development of Rehabilitation Robot System with Functional Fluid Devices for Upper Limbs

Development of Rehabilitation Robot System with Functional Fluid Devices for Upper Limbs

  New training methods and exercises on upper limb rehabilitation are made possible by application of robotics and virtual reality technology. The technology also makes quantitative evaluations to enhance the qualitative effect of training. However, rehabilitation systems applying training within a three-dimensional to upper limbs have not been in practical use. The authors had earlier developed 2-DOF (degrees of freedom) rehabilitation robot systems. Lately, they have involved in a project managed by NEDO, “Rehabilitation System for the Upper Limbs and Lower Limbs,” and developed a 3-DOF exercise machine for upper limb (EMUL). In this paper, the authors report on the 2-DOF systems and their application for rehabilitation. They also present the development of EMUL with an example of software for motion exercise training. Particularly discussed is the functional fluid device that ensures the mechanical safety.