First-of-its-kind multimodal robot for post-stroke ankle-foot telerehabilitation

Dr HU Xiaoling, Member of the Research Institute for Smart Ageing (RISA) and Research Institute for Sports Science and Technology (RISports), has developed the Mobile Ankle-foot Exoneuromusculoskeleton, a one-piece, lightweight wearable system powered by a small rechargeable battery for correcting issues of poststroke footdrop and foot inversion and improving the gait of stroke survivors.

The multimodal wearable robot for ankle-foot rehabilitation integrates the advantages of an exoskeleton, soft pneumatic muscles, tactile sensory feedback and neuromuscular electrical stimulation technology. Powered by Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the device enables telerehabilitation for remote management of patients’ rehabilitation progress and allows them to undertake self-help rehabilitation exercises at home. Therapists can remotely monitor the rehabilitation progress of multiple patients. This not only enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of rehabilitation, but also reduces the burden on medical professionals.

The invention won a Gold Medal at the 49^th International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva.