Haptic TheraDrive
TheraDrive is a new low-cost, high-force haptic robot with a single degree of freedom. Our lab is currently using this system for two purposes: first, to test the viability and usability of the new robot system; and second, to test if low-functioning patients benefit, and if so how much, from using force-feedback therapy as opposed to devices with zero impedance. Exercises are performed by study subjects and an adaptive controller monitors patient performance to ensure that exercises are difficult but doable, which is important for maintaining patient motivation. Currently, we hypothesize that not only will the new system be viable, but that it will provide better robot-assisted therapy to a large variety of patients, especially low-functioning stroke survivors with hemiplegia.
