Interactive Robotics in Medicine and Care

Physiotherapy is important in children after trauma or surgery in order to prevent pneumonia, cardiovascular impairment and/or constraint joints as well as in therapy of children with depressive disorder. However, experienced pediatric physiotherapists are scarce and expensive.

In this study we want to deploy humanoid robots that adopt typical movements and motivation tasks to support physiotherapists in mobilizing children on the pediatric ward and in an ambulatory setting. Robots are especially suited for this task because children are generally positive about robots and their embodiment is beneficial for demonstrating movement exercises and for exerting influence on motivation and compliance. Their transfer, however, hinges on their integration into clinical and ambulatory everyday practice and routines, and their acceptance, the compliance, and the commitment of children, parents, and medical caregivers. In the mid-term, we aim to evaluate their efficiency by validated instruments and scoring systems. The expected findings of the proposed project will provide a basis for further funding by national institutions to investigate the efficiency of robots in mobilization and rehabilitation of normal children as well as children with disabilities.

Research questions

• What are the requirements for the system and for everyday life in clinics and private practices?

• What is the level of acceptance, adherence and commitment to robot-assisted therapy among patients, caregivers, doctors and other professionals?

• Are training and therapy effects measurable?