Assistive Devices For People With Motor Disabilities

Abstract

this article to review the state of the art in the technology for assistive devices for people with disabilities, with a particular focus on the technology that is loosely referred to as robotics. In the process, we review research that has been done by us and by other groups on assistive devices for manipulation and locomotion. We will be less interested in examples of devices that simply perform the mechanical function of a person's limb and instead focus on assistive aids that have broader applications. Further therapeutic applications are beyond the scope of this article. Similarly, orthoses that strengthen limbs and spines, or prevent deformities are not considered here. Instead the main goal is to provide the reader with an understanding of how the technology and science that underlies robotics can be used to develop assistive devices for people with manipulative and locomotive disabilities.