Robotic trainers at IIT Jodhpur can help provide physiotherapy to paralytics

The trainer proposed by the IIT Jodhpur team is conceptually simple and has a modular mechanical configuration that is easy to fix and use. 

Researchers of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have designed robotic trainers that can be used in physiotherapy to treat lower limb disabilities.  

5 million people with locomotor disabilities in India 

Limb disability is a serious malady among Indians, and is caused by age-related ailments, physical deformations, accidents, strokes, polio, etc. According to Census 2011, there are five million people with locomotor disabilities in India. IIT Jodhpur researchers proposed a robot manipulator arrangement that is capable of providing motion to the ankle in all three planes i.e., sagittal, transverse and coronal plane.  

“Complete Rehabilitation is possible if the correct sequence of therapies is executed. Robots will be able to do it without getting tired.”, said Jayant Kumar Mohanta, Assistant Professor, IIT Jodhpur. The robotic trainer was a brace or a wearable device like an exoskeleton that supports the leg. It was provided with a cartesian (3-directional) parallel manipulator to perform the required limb therapeutic motions in the transverse/horizontal/lateral and sagittal/longitudinal plane. The design ensured a large workspace to execute the required range of motion therapies.  

The usefulness of the designed stationary trainer was confirmed using computer-based simulations along with a motion control scheme by performing various clinically suggested therapeutic passive range of motions. The design could execute important essential rehabilitation therapeutic movements such as abduction (the motion of a limb or appendage away from the midline of the body), adduction (the motion of a limb or appendage towards the midline of the body), flexion (bending movement), and extension of the hip and knee joints. 

“The robotic trainer we have designed will help provide physiotherapy to paralytic patients, and for those who have spinal cord injuries that have disrupted their lower limb functions”, said the research lead. The trainer proposed by the IIT Jodhpur team is conceptually simple and has a modular mechanical configuration that is easy to fix and use. Furthermore, since only linear actuators are used for the hip and knee motions, the robot itself is stable, safe and robust during use. 

MTech in robotics and mobility system  

In order to meet the increasing demand for engineers with diverse backgrounds in the field of robotic and mobility systems, and to support relevant research and development, an MTech Programme in robotics and mobility system is designed by IIT Jodhpur. This program is offered by IDRP Robotics and Mobility Systems.  

The proposed MTech programme will provide interdisciplinary learning opportunities to participate in one of the most challenging advanced technology areas. It is also envisaged that this programme will serve as a platform to test innovative ideas in the design, development, and testing of the Robotics and Mobility systems.  

Who can take MTech in robotics and mobility system at IIT Jodhpur? 

Students from mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electrical and communication engineering, computer science and engineering, instrumentation and control, aerospace engineering, automobile engineering, aeronautical engineering, engineering physics or equivalent background are eligible to apply. 
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