A Two Degrees-of-Freedom Floor-Based Robot for Transfer and Rehabilitation Applications

TL;DR

This paper introduces a versatile floor-based robot designed for transfer and rehabilitation that adapts to individual needs by adjusting impedance and forces, supporting natural sit-to-stand motions.

Contribution

The development of a configurable STS training device that maintains transfer capabilities while customizing support for various mobility levels.

Findings

Low impact on natural STS kinematics

Provides precise weight unloading

Adds forward virtual spring for seat-off assistance

Abstract

The ability to accomplish a sit-to-stand (STS) motion is key to increase functional mobility and reduce rehospitalization risks. While raising aid (transfer) devices and partial bodyweight support (rehabilitation) devices exist, both are unable to adjust the STS training to different mobility levels. Therefore, We have developed an STS training device that allows various configurations of impedance and vertical/forward forces to adapt to many training needs while maintaining commercial raising aid transfer capabilities. Experiments with healthy adults (both men and women) of various heights and weights show that the device 1) has a low impact on the natural STS kinematics, 2) can provide precise weight unloading at the patient's center of mass and 3) can add a forward virtual spring to assist the transfer of the bodyweight to the feet for seat-off, at the start of the STS motion.