rehabilitation robots

1. How Rehabilitation Robots are Advancing How Rehabilitation Robots are Advancing Healthcare: Applications, Benefits, and Healthcare: Applications, Benefits, and Patient Recovery? Patient Recovery? Individuals who are physically impaired and are facing problems in maintaining their quality of life can bring a revolutionary change with the help of rehabilitation robots. These robots can be programmed to perform a range of actions, such as walking, arm movements, or leg exercises, depending on the patient’s specific needs. This blog gives an overview of types, applications, and advancements in the field of rehabilitation robots, their advantages, and how they are changing the way patients recover.

2. Which Types of Rehabilitation Robots Are the Most Significant? The worldwide rehabilitation robots market was valued at USD 428.0 million in 2024 and is expected to increase at a 15.2% CAGR from 2025 to 2030. The increase can be ascribed to increased per capita healthcare spending and rapid adoption of technologically improved equipment in the healthcare industry. (Source) Rehabilitation robots are meant to enhance motor function for individuals with various physical impairments. There are 2 main types of rehabilitation robots: 1. Assistive Robot This robot is used as a substitute in the cases of lost limb movements. An example is the Manus Arm, which is a wheelchair-mounted robotic arm that is controlled using a chain switch or other input devices. This process is known as telemanipulation and is similar to a robot controlled by an astronaut from inside the spacecraft. Some of the well-known inventions of assistive robots include the Vanderbilt exoskeleton, which provides assistance for walking, sitting, standing, and walking up and down stairs. Also, HandeXos-Beta, HexoSYS , and Hes Hand are some of the prominent robots that are known for their ability to enhance hand motion rehabilitation to recover hand motor function. 2. Therapy Robot Research in neuroscience has shown that even after injury, the brain and the spinal cord retain a remarkable ability to adapt through the use of practiced movements. These robots are machines or tools that are used by the rehabilitation therapist to help patients perform practiced movement aided by the robot. MIT-Manus was the first therapy robot used for stroke patients, helping them to reach across the tabletop if they were able to do that by themselves. Another rehabilitation robot, the Lokomat, was meant for practiced movement like walking.

3. It supports the weight of a person and moves the legs in the walking pattern over a moving treadmill. The goal is to retrain the person to walk after a spinal cord injury or stroke. Limitations and Advancements in Rehabilitation Robots Despite expansion, the industry confronts challenges: ●Expensive: Exoskeletons are expensive, costing between USD 50,000 and $150,000, restricting accessibility. (Source) ●Regulatory Complexity: Product introductions are delayed due to stringent FDA and CE certification processes. ●Training Gaps: Clinicians need specific training to operate sophisticated technologies, which slow uptake. ●Time Consuming: These teleoperated robots, however, came up with the limitation that they are time-consuming. For instance, teleoperating a rehabilitation robot to pickup a bottle and bring it to the mouth took substantial time and made a requirement for expensive robots. Adavancements: ●Chip: Progress in neuroscience had also brought a revolutionary change in which a microchip is inserted inside the brain of the user and all he has to do is "think,” and the robot will do it accordingly. ●Visuals: The incorporation of image guidance and navigation systems into robotic surgical systems offers the possibilities of minimally invasive surgery in areas where visualization was traditionally difficult. Such robotic systems include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners. ●Energy Sources: Coupling the energy sources with rehabilitation robots, such as fiberoptically delivered lasers and ultrasonic vibratory devices, enables further interaction with multiple types of tissues. Current Innovations That are Increasing Interest ●North America dominates with a 40-45% market share, owing to high healthcare expenditure and FDA approvals. (Source)

4. ●Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing area (26.12% CAGR), driven by efforts like New Life Rehab Hospital's robotic deployment in India.( Source) ●Europe's growth is supported by favorable policies and an aging population, whereas Latin America and Africa are still emerging markets. (Source) ●By 2035, the market may surpass USD 4.65 billion, with exoskeletons remaining crucial in solving mobility difficulties. (Source) Overview of Exoskeleton and End-Effector Robots Rehabilitation robot therapy can provide intense and frequent training, which helps patients with motor problems from strokes or spinal cord issues. The robotic devices used for this therapy include end-effector and exoskeleton types. 1.Exosceleton Robots These are wearable devices designed to augment, enhance, and assist human movement. These robots work by supporting the natural movements of the human body, often by using mechanical structures to provide adequate support, strength, and mobility. Exoskeletons and therapeutic robots are the market's two main segments. Exoskeletons are further classified by extremities. Lower-body robots account for the majority (60–70%), treating movement deficits caused by spinal cord injuries and strokes. (Source) Upper-body robots are expected to increase at a 17.6% CAGR, driven by demand for post- stroke arm rehabilitation. They typically consist of wearable frames that are strapped or attached to the body. These devices may include motors, sensors, and actuators that work to move in sync with the user's movement to help overcome physical limitations. 2.End-Effector Robots End-effector robots are increasingly being used in rehabilitation, particularly for physical therapy and recovery from injuries or surgeries. This robot often includes a robotic arm or device that interacts with the patient’s limbs. The end effector provides support or guidance to perform therapeutic exercises or repetitive movements that the patient may struggle with on their own.

5. Application of Rehabilitation Robots 1.Stroke Recovery Each year, about 795,000 people in the United States have strokes, with about 610,000 of these cases being first strokes. These patients often experience a loss in cobility and coordination, which can significantly impair their quality of life. Rehabilitation robots, particularly those that are focused on hand therapy and gait training, can help these individuals regain their independence. (source) 2.Spinal Chord injury About 255,00 to 390,000 people are living with spinal cord injuries, and each year there are about 18000 new cases of SCI in the US. These patients can benefit from robotic exoskeletons and gait trainers that can assist them with walking and leg mobility. These technologies can offer hope for individuals who were previously unable to walk. (source) Conclusion With advancements in AI, machine learning, and sensor technology, the field of rehabilitation robots continues to evolve. Future robots are expected to be more intuitive, adaptive, and capable of providing even more personalized care. For more such informative articles, you can visit WinterGreen Research. Follow their social media handles to alert yourself with the latest updates and publications. Click here!

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