www.engineeringnews.co.nz 17 LIMBERING UP WITH REHAB ROBOTICS Dr Andrew McDaid is a senior lecturer at the University of Auckland’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. His research interests include: robotics, medical devices, smart materials, gamification, as well as intelligent and adaptive control systems. The term ‘robotics’ can elicit some exaggerated reactions – as our technological realities and science fiction become increasingly blurred, dominant conversations shift towards dystopia. We now expose ourselves to issues regarding personal safety and privacy, and reports indicate potential job losses in upcoming years due to an incoming robot workforce. What’s often left out of popular discussions however, are the opportunities available to harness the capacity that machines have to better the lives of those who need it most. Dr McDaid, is a leading researcher working on robotics in a rapidly evolving field of healthcare technologies. Over the past few years, Dr McDaid has been developing robotic devices for those who suffer conditions that affect limb mobility, such as cerebral palsy, stroke, as well as brain and spinal cord injuries. Rehabilitation robotics is a field where clinicians, therapists and engineers collaborate to understand and augment rehabilitation through the application of robotic devices. The groundbreaking research has already garnered positive attention from the national news, and organisations such as Cure Kids. The robotics system targets either a patient’s upper limb or gait, and can be used as diagnostic and therapy tools. They are additionally personalised to ensure that each individual can gradually feel comfortable tackling the daily tasks that most of us may take for granted – from grasping and eating, to walking. There are two major factors involved in the technology: the mechanical design, as well as how it affects therapy and rehabilitation. Dr McDaid, and much of the robotics research at the University of Auckland, focuses on human-robot interaction, which takes into account ergonomics, anatomical alignment and comfort, in creating solutions that possess the potential for both customisation and long-term use. The developed mechanical system can therefore be adapted for users of various sizes and needs. The devices are additionally built with traditional – such as motors – and non-traditional materials, including newly-developed sensor systems and actuators for smooth interaction. This includes ‘smart’ materials that are more lightweight, and provide the robot with a ‘soft’ touch. The mechanical system then works in conjunction with software to aid diagnosis and rehabilitation. Diagnostic algorithms are developed to collect individualised information to detect the extent of therapy needed. In a 3D motion capture laboratory, electromyography (EMG) and electroencephalography (EEG) are used to acquire extensive data on biomechanics, as well as muscle forces and brain activity. The comprehensive data obtained, again, contributes towards results that are customisable for each individual. Trials with real-life patients are already being conducted to collate feedback on the designs. In conjunction with hardware, Dr McDaid has developed games that focus on specific aspects of therapy, such as muscle movement and force application. The intention is to relieve patients from the mundane activity of ordinary, repetitive rehabilitation exercises. This gamification aspect is a particularly apt reflection of the research thus far – it boasts customisation capabilities, relatively low costs, and is unique to the therapy process. If successful, rehab robotics will save millions in medical costs for the 7,000+ stroke patients in New Zealand, and will also help improve the well-being of over 500 children who live with cerebral palsy. Dr McDaid envisions these robots to be portable enough to make their way into homes someday, “like a PlayStation game, so (patients can) just plug it in and play.” Dr Andrew McDaid’s PhD thesis focused on smart materials and actuators – not explicitly robotics, though his ongoing projects suggest that rehab robotics may remain in his repertoire of expertise for the foreseeable future. Part of his excitement for working on research at the University of Auckland is the thrill he gets from applying his understandings to “developing what’s new and different to what others are doing.” At the same time, working with real patients means that he’s witnessing first-hand the positive impacts of robotics technology limbering up the lives of individuals. Dr Andrew McDaid fitting an elbow robot on a test subject’s arm R O B O T I C S
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