From exoskeletons to gamification – at REHACARE, numerous exhibitors will be showing how robotics can be used effectively in rehabilitation and physiotherapy.

The global rehabilitation robotics market, valued at $239.1 million in 2022, is expected to reach $1.026 billion by 2030. This is according to a new report from market research company Kings Research. Driving the growth of the robotics market is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities. As the world's population ages, the number of people with strokes, spinal cord injuries and degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's, which require rehabilitation is increasing. Robotic systems in rehabilitation provide effective support to speed up the healing process for patients and improve theirquality of life.

In addition, the increasing use of telerehabilitation –i.e.,rehabilitation services that one can accessfrom the comfort of one's own home –offers great opportunities for the use of rehabilitation robots in home care. This developmentcan make therapy more comfortable for patients and could also help to reduce healthcare costs.

What are rehabilitation robots and how are they used?

Rehabilitation robotsare medical devices designed to help people regain or improve their physical performance after illness or injury.

These technologies include a wide range of systems, including exoskeletons that facilitate walking and robotic arms that help restore arm function.

Rehabiliation robots – an overview

Rehabilitation robots are already part of today's physiotherapy. Here is a brief overview of the devices and areas of rehabilitation in which robotics are used:

1.exoskeletons: these wearable devices help people with limb weakness or paralysis, especially stroke patientsand people with spinal cord injuries. They help with movements such as walking or grasping Ekso Bionics Europe is one of the leading companies in this field. For more than 15 years, they have been working on the development of wearable exoskeletons to enhance human performance.

2.robotic therapy arms: these systems improve arm and hand function, for example, after a stroke. They provide precise exercises that strengthen movement control.

3.gait trainers: These robotic devices, such as those manufactured by Cyberdyne Care Robotics, help people learn or improve walking in a controlled environment –particularly useful for people with severe mobility impairments.

4.virtual reality combined with robotics: This combination creates more immersive therapy environments that are motivating and enable specific movements in an engaging environment. CUREosity, for example, offers rehabilitation programs using VR goggles and exciting game worlds.

5.robotic exercise platforms: Used in neurological rehabilitation, these platforms improve balance and posture by dynamically adapting to the patient's movements.

Advantages of robotics in rehabiliation

The use of robotics in rehabilitation allows for more intensive and precise exercises, improving the effectiveness of treatment. Sensors in robotic systems also provide valuable data that can be used to optimize the rehabilitation process. Although the initial investment is high, these technologies can lead to faster and more sustainable improvements in the long term.

Robotic systems such as exoskeletons reduce the physical strain of lifting people and reduce the risk of overexertion injuries. Other technologies perform routine tasks, allowing caregivers to spend more time on individualized care, contributing to a higher quality of care.

Advances in robotic prostheses and orthoses

A particular component of robotic rehabilitation is bionic prosthetics – advanced artificial limbs built using robotic technologies to replace the functions of missing body parts. These prostheses use sensors, motors and advanced control systems to mimic natural movements, enabling users to perform everyday tasks with greater ease and efficiency. This can give them significant advantages over traditional prostheses. However, these robotic prostheses often have room for improvement in terms of comfort and functionality, leading many people to opt for less complex models or purely cosmetic prostheses. Researchers around the world are working to advance the technology and make it more user-friendly.

The development of bionic orthoses appears to be further along in this regard. The German company HKK Bionics, for example, produces electric hand orthoses for people with various causes of paralysis. In cooperation with medical supply stores, they provide people with active orthoses that are tailored to their anatomical and motor needs. In this way, the lack of physical abilities and the associated functional limitations are optimally compensated. The aim is to make it easier for people to participate independently in everyday life.

The future of rehabilitation robotics

The coming years will see exciting developments in the field of robotic rehabilitation. One important advance is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, which will enable robots to personalize therapies for each individual. This will allow doctors to better monitor the healing process and adapt treatment plans based on data. Work is also being done on exoskeletons and wearable rehabilitation devices to help patients regain mobility. Data networking is also being improved to enable remote monitoring and online rehabilitation.

The objective of research and development is to make these technologies more affordable and accessible in the future.