Neuroprostheses and robotics in neurorehabilitation and for assistance of severely disabled people
On April 22nd, at 11.00 a.m. Alessandra Pedrocchi, full professor at the Politecnico di Milano, presents the seminar "Neuroprostheses and robotics in neurorehabilitation and for assistance of severely disabled people". The seminar will take place in Aula Magna Storica (Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna). Click here to join via Webex meeting.
Abstract
Superficial Functional Electrical Stimulation has been studied for years. However, it is still underexploited in daily clinical practice. One of the primary reasons is that we still do not clearly understand what happens to the brain when using Functional Electrical Stimulation at the muscular level. This understanding is essential to define how to use FES to enhance its effects at the brain level. The development of hybrid solutions, where FES and robotics are combined, have proved to powerfully impact the relearning and translation of motor abilities to recover daily autonomy.
The use of robotics for supporting daily tasks by persons with severe disabilities is a very open field. At the same time, robotics for assistance must be sustainable for single users in a niche market. Technological complexity and sustainability must be discussed and faced with the patients and society.