Remote rehab with artificial skeleton

A doctoral thesis at the University of Gävle highlights new, innovative uses for exoskeletons. The research shows how the technology can simplify both rehabilitation and daily exercise for the elderly and people with special needs.

Rabé Andersson

Rabé Andersson's dissertation describes how an exoskeleton can be used for remote rehabilitation. The exoskeleton (on the left) is attached to the patient's leg and is controlled with great precision using a model of a foot (pictured in the center). PHOTO: University of Gävle.

Being able to get help with rehab at home after a hip operation - without travel for either patient or healthcare professional. This could become a reality in the future. In her doctoral thesis in electrical engineering, Rabé Andersson worked on exoskeletons for rehabilitation that can be controlled remotely.

- "The potential for this technology is huge. "We have an ageing population globally, with 1.5 billion people expected to be over 65 by 2050. Innovative solutions in healthcare will be needed to help everyone effectively in the future," says Rabé Andersson.

Parts printed with 3D printers

An exoskeleton is an external, wearable structure that is attached to the outside of the body and used to support or enhance the body's movements. Rabé Andersson has developed a prototype of an exoskeleton that can be attached to a leg. The doctor or physiotherapist can control the exoskeleton using a life-size model of the body part in a different location. The idea is that the patient has a simple exoskeleton at home, where an arm or leg can be fixed.

It is also possible to create an individualized training program or movement schedule with a smartphone and connect wirelessly to the exoskeleton, in the technology described in the doctoral thesis. Using sensors, data and artificial intelligence, both patient and caregiver can then track the results of the exercise and digitally monitor and adjust the exercises as needed.

- The prototype is partly made of aluminum and has electric motors that drive and move the joints. Some parts are printed using a 3D printer, which aims to make manufacturing cost-effective and increase availability, so that the exoskeleton can be used in patients' homes or in developing countries, says Rabé Andersson.

"Many potential benefits"

Material selection is another important part of the research, and the thesis highlights the possibility of making the exoskeleton prototype from PLA, a plastic material that is biodegradable.

Rabé Andersson's prototype has so far only been tested on a patient care manikin - borrowed from the university's nursing program. Among other things, the prototype can be physically controlled remotely with great precision using a model of a foot.

- More and more extensive studies will be needed before this technology can be widely used in healthcare, but there are many potential benefits. The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the importance of being able to provide treatment and rehabilitation remotely," says Rabé Andersson.

Rabé Andersson's dissertation defense will take place on Thursday at 1 pm at the University of Gävle (House 12, room 108). Interested parties are welcome!
Map of the Campus is available here. External link.

Facts: Exoskeletons

An exoskeleton is an external, wearable structure that is attached to the outside of the body to support or enhance movement. It can be mechanical or robotic and is used in fields such as medicine and industry. In industry, for example, it can be used on the upper body to increase strength and reduce physical strain. It can also be used to increase mobility for people with walking difficulties, or in rehabilitation.

Link to scientific articles (Rabé Andersson's thesis includes a total of nine scientific articles). External link.

Contact

Rabé Andersson, researcher in electrical engineering at the University of Gävle
Tel: 026-64 89 44
E-mail: rabe.andersson@hig.se

Anders Munck, press officer at the University of Gävle
Tel: 070-794 65 23
E-mail: anders.munck@hig.se

This page was last updated 2025-01-20