scholarly journals MINI REVIEW: THE APPLICATION OF BRAIN-COMPUTER INTERFACES IN ROBOTIC THERAPY

Author(s):  
Mohammad Mehdi Farzaneh

The idea of robotic therapy has been considered as a possible rehabilitation strategy to facilitate recovery of the patients with disability and it can represent an efficient treatment. Brain-computer interface (BCI) is known as an advanced technology with great potential in therapeutic and assistive robots. This paper is presented to review the application of BCI in rehabilitation robotic systems through the combination of BCI with electroencephalography (EEG) and functional electrical stimulation (FES). For this purpose, the basic concept of each of BCI, EEG, and FES is introduced to give a general view of their function. In addition, the application of EEG-BCI and FES-BCI systems in therapeutic and assistive treatments is showed by providing a summary of different researches for each field. In the end, this document is terminated with a discussion about the arguments behind the studied topics and the future directions of advances in robotic therapy.

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (6) ◽  
pp. 2084
Author(s):  
Kostas Nizamis ◽  
Alkinoos Athanasiou ◽  
Sofia Almpani ◽  
Christos Dimitrousis ◽  
Alexander Astaras

Recent advances in the field of neural rehabilitation, facilitated through technological innovation and improved neurophysiological knowledge of impaired motor control, have opened up new research directions. Such advances increase the relevance of existing interventions, as well as allow novel methodologies and technological synergies. New approaches attempt to partially overcome long-term disability caused by spinal cord injury, using either invasive bridging technologies or noninvasive human–machine interfaces. Muscular dystrophies benefit from electromyography and novel sensors that shed light on underlying neuromotor mechanisms in people with Duchenne. Novel wearable robotics devices are being tailored to specific patient populations, such as traumatic brain injury, stroke, and amputated individuals. In addition, developments in robot-assisted rehabilitation may enhance motor learning and generate movement repetitions by decoding the brain activity of patients during therapy. This is further facilitated by artificial intelligence algorithms coupled with faster electronics. The practical impact of integrating such technologies with neural rehabilitation treatment can be substantial. They can potentially empower nontechnically trained individuals—namely, family members and professional carers—to alter the programming of neural rehabilitation robotic setups, to actively get involved and intervene promptly at the point of care. This narrative review considers existing and emerging neural rehabilitation technologies through the perspective of replacing or restoring functions, enhancing, or improving natural neural output, as well as promoting or recruiting dormant neuroplasticity. Upon conclusion, we discuss the future directions for neural rehabilitation research, diagnosis, and treatment based on the discussed technologies and their major roadblocks. This future may eventually become possible through technological evolution and convergence of mutually beneficial technologies to create hybrid solutions.


2017 ◽  
Vol 260 ◽  
pp. 20-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikos A. Aspragathos

In this paper, methodologies are presented for the development of intelligent robot systems for the manipulation of linear and sheet like objects with low and/or very low bending rigidity. In the introduction the non-rigid objects are defined and classified considering their shape, bending rigidity and extensibility. The industrial and service applications of these systems are presented and the state of the art approaches for the manipulation of various categories of the non-rigid objects are presented. A brief State-of the-Art on the manipulation of the deformable objects with relatively low bending rigidity and presenting elastic behavior like foam, sheet metal is presented as well.The main part of the paper is devoted to the robotic manipulation of the sheet-like objects with very low rigidity such as fabrics and leather. Laboratory demonstrators accompany the presentation of the developed intelligent robotic systems for manipulation of non-rigid objects and the paper concludes with hints for the future directions of the research and development in robotic systems for handling non-rigid objects.


2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S104-S104
Author(s):  
S. Loi ◽  
R. Khosla ◽  
K. Nguyen ◽  
N. Lautenschlager ◽  
D. Velakoulis

ObjectivesSocially-assistive robots have been used with older adults with cognitive impairment in residential care, and found to improve mood and well-being. However, there is little known about the potential benefits in adults with other neuropsychiatric symptoms.AimsThe aim of this project was explore the utility and acceptability of a socially-assistive robot in engaging adults with a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms.MethodsBetty, a socially-assistive robot was installed in a unit which specialises in the assessment and diagnosis of adults presenting with neuropsychiatric symptoms. She is 39 cm tall, has a baby-face appearance and has the ability to engage individuals through personalised services which can be programmed according to individuals’ preferences. These include singing songs and playing games. Training for the nursing staff who were responsible for incorporating Betty into the unit activities was provided. The frequency, duration and type of activity which Betty was involved in was recorded. Patients admitted who could provide informed consent were able to be included in the project. These participants completed pre- and post-questionnaires.ResultsEight patients (mean age 54.4 years, SD 13.6) who had diagnoses ranging from depression and schizophrenia participated. Types of activities included singing songs, playing Bingo and reading the news. Participants reported that they were comfortable with Betty and did not feel concerned in her presence. They enjoyed interacting with her.ConclusionsThis pilot project demonstrated that participants found Betty to be acceptable and she was useful in engaging them in activities. Future directions would involve larger sample sizes and different settings.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.


2011 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 159-165
Author(s):  
C. D. Wu ◽  
X. J. Xu ◽  
Q. Wang

Advanced technology for more efficient treatment of algae-containing water is always needed. The feasibility of using diatomite for advanced treatment of algae-containing surface water and controlling algae removal process through zeta potential was investigated in this study. Results demonstrated that the addition of diatomite is advantageous due to reduction of the polyaluminium chloride (PAC) dose required for satisfactory treatment of Microcystis aeruginosa (MA) and zeta potential which can well reflect the MA removal efficiency. The zeta potential at optimum removal was measured and it was observed that when the zeta potential was reduced to the range of −14.4 mV and +3.53 mV, removal of MA and associated organic material was optimized. Process control using zeta potential is therefore a viable tool for algae removal by enhanced coagulation combining PAC with diatomite.


2018 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
KiDon Chang ◽  
AliAbdel Raheem ◽  
KoonHo Rha

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ram Kiran Alluri ◽  
Ahilan Sivaganesan ◽  
Avani S. Vaishnav ◽  
Sheeraz A. Qureshi

Minimally invasive spine surgery (MISS) continues to evolve, and the advent of robotic spine technology may play a role in further facilitating MISS techniques, increasing safety, and improving patient outcomes. In this chapter we review early limitations of spinal robotic systems and go over currently available spinal robotic systems. We then summarize the evidence-based advantages of robotic spine surgery, with an emphasis on pedicle screw placement. Additionally, we review some common and expanded clinical applications of robotic spine technology to facilitate MISS. The chapter concludes with a discussion regarding the current limitations and future directions of this relatively novel technology as it applies to MISS.


2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Santosh Chandrasekaran ◽  
Matthew Fifer ◽  
Stephan Bickel ◽  
Luke Osborn ◽  
Jose Herrero ◽  
...  

AbstractAlmost 100 years ago experiments involving electrically stimulating and recording from the brain and the body launched new discoveries and debates on how electricity, movement, and thoughts are related. Decades later the development of brain-computer interface technology began, which now targets a wide range of applications. Potential uses include augmentative communication for locked-in patients and restoring sensorimotor function in those who are battling disease or have suffered traumatic injury. Technical and surgical challenges still surround the development of brain-computer technology, however, before it can be widely deployed. In this review we explore these challenges, historical perspectives, and the remarkable achievements of clinical study participants who have bravely forged new paths for future beneficiaries.


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