GLASS Thesis

In-Home Stroke Rehabilitation Using Soft Robotics

Mission Statement

  • I wish to explore feasible and scalable engineering solutions to problems related to robotics and medical technologies.

  • The project should focus on ways of combining hardware (mechanical engineering) and software (computer science) solutions, which closely follow the ideologies of my past projects.

  • I wish to demonstrate the potential impacts of my project through small-scale validation and proofs-of-concept.

  • It does not have to be cutting-edge or advanced but should bring innovative ideas, conceptually or practically, into its field.

Concepts Breakdown

  • https://news.mit.edu/2010/stroke-therapy-0419

    Neuro-Rehabilitation for Stroke Survivors

    Stroke survivors often experience significant motor impairments, particularly in hand function, which limits their ability to perform daily activities. Neuro-rehabilitation plays a crucial role in restoring movement through repetitive, task-specific exercises that promote neuroplasticity. Traditional rehabilitation methods, while effective, are often costly, require in-person visits, and may not provide continuous feedback to patients and clinicians. My research focuses on leveraging soft robotics, specifically smart textile-integrated hand orthoses, to enhance stroke rehabilitation. By incorporating advanced sensing and actuation strategies, these devices provide real-time biomechanical data, enabling remote monitoring and personalized therapy, ultimately improving patient outcomes and accessibility.

  • https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9090275

    Soft Robotic Technology in Medicine

    Soft robotic technology is transforming modern medicine by offering safer, more adaptable solutions for rehabilitation, surgery, and assistive devices. Unlike traditional rigid robotics, soft robots utilize flexible materials that mimic biological structures, improving comfort and interaction with the human body. In rehabilitation, soft robotic exoskeletons and wearables enhance patient recovery by providing adaptive assistance based on real-time biomechanical data. My research integrates smart textiles with Twisted and Coiled Polymer (TCP) actuators to create lightweight, portable hand orthoses for stroke rehabilitation, demonstrating how soft robotics can improve accessibility, effectiveness, and personalization in medical treatment and recovery solutions.

  • Novel E-textile From Artificial Muscles

    E-textiles integrated with artificial muscles represent a groundbreaking advancement in wearable robotics, particularly for rehabilitation and assistive devices. Unlike conventional rigid actuators, Twisted and Coiled Polymer (TCP) actuators embedded within textiles offer a lightweight, flexible alternative for motion assistance. My research focuses on weaving TCP actuators and strain sensors into a smart textile hand orthosis, enabling controlled finger movements for stroke rehabilitation. This novel e-textile seamlessly integrates actuation and sensing, allowing for real-time biomechanical feedback while maintaining comfort and portability. Such advancements pave the way for next-generation wearable devices that enhance mobility and promote independent recovery for users.

Contributions

  • My paper explores advancements in soft robotics for healthcare applications, specifically focusing on wearable rehabilitation devices for stroke recovery.

    Health - This aligns with Tandon's Health area by addressing the need for affordable, accessible solutions that improve patient outcomes through data-driven, personalized treatments.

    Robotics - The integration of advanced control systems and sensor fusion techniques positions the research firmly within Tandon's Robotics area, driving innovation in tele-rehabilitation systems and contributing to the broader development of intelligent, human-centered robotic technologies.


  • Advance Health Informatics

    This challenge is critical as it addresses the growing demand for personalized, data-driven healthcare solutions, especially in post-stroke rehabilitation. My research focuses on soft robotics, which enables wearable devices to collect high-fidelity biomechanical data, including joint force, muscle pressure, and motion. These innovations align with UN SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by enhancing telerehabilitation systems, making them more accessible and effective for in-home use. By proposing advanced sensing and control strategies, this work aims to empower clinicians with actionable insights, improve patient outcomes, and bridge the global disparity in rehabilitation resources.These innovations will enhance telerehabilitation and in-home care by providing doctors with actionable insights to deliver effective, remote treatments.

  • Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-Being

    This SDG directly connects to the global challenge of advancing health informatics by addressing the need for equitable and effective healthcare solutions. Soft robotics, as explored in my research, enhances telerehabilitation systems by providing detailed biomechanical data through wearable sensors. These advancements enable remote monitoring and personalized treatments, improving access to high-quality healthcare for individuals in underserved areas. By integrating innovative sensing and control technologies, this work supports SDG 3’s goal to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all, particularly through affordable and accessible rehabilitation resources for post-stroke and injury recovery.