Rehabilitation robots and the continuum of care

The use of robotic devices for physical rehabilitation therapy is growing as the underlying technologies become more advanced and cost-effective. This trend is set to continue, opening new avenues for the adoption of rehabilitation robotics in our everyday lives. In this whitepaper we outline design and development considerations as well as key technologies for rehabilitation robotics, particularly wearable exoskeletons.

Global demand for physical rehabilitation therapy is rising. It’s driven by many factors, from the frailty and neurological disorders associated with ageing to improved survival rates for strokes and better potential outcomes for spinal cord injury patients. With a growing world population, and increased life expectancy in many countries, the need for greater provision of physical rehabilitation therapy is here to stay.