Growing interest in robotic treatment of patients with neurological injury motivates the development of therapeutic robots for basic research into recovery. Though humans are the ultimate beneficiaries, basic research frequently involves rodent models of neurological injury, which motivates robotic devices that can interact with rats or mice. This paper proposes an overground therapeutic robot suitable for rodent studies of recovery after for spinal cord injury. Advantages and challenges of an overground machine are compared with treadmill-type machines. Design and implementation issues, including its kinematic configuration, control scheme, biomechanical coupling and partial body weight support system, are presented and discussed. Current development progress is reported along with possible future applications of the device.

Topics:
Design, Robots, Spinal cord, Wounds, Machinery, Nervous system, Robotics, Biomechanics, Kinematics, Weight (Mass)
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Copyright © 2008
 by ASME
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