Design of the ROBIN system: Whole-arm multi-model sensorimotor environment for the rehabilitation of brain injuries while sitting or standing

This paper presents the ROBIN (Rehabilitation Of Brain INjuries) multi-model system for whole-arm therapy retraining following a brain injury or a stroke. The design, control and integration of a new type of hybrid system based on a multi-robot implementation is described. The system is able to support multiple exercise design approaches, providing grasp and full upper limb movement over a large workspace whilst sitting or standing. When used in its largest configuration a total of 12 active and 9 passive degrees of freedom are available to provide active, active assist or passive grasp retraining in combination with reaching movements (and dynamic gravity compensation) in a reach-grasp-transfer-release sequence.