Robotics as a Tool for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sessions

Abstract The ability of walking is related to various daily tasks, while the lack of mobility can decrease significantly the quality of life of people affected by diseases related to locomotion. The etiology of those diseases can be from distinct origins, such as neurological, genetic, cardiovascular, among others. As a result of the lack of mobility, affected people may have difficulties to perform basic tasks and this can bring problems in several stages of their lives, such as labor, and socialization and even psychological issues may appear. In order to try to help those people, researchers from all over the world try to improve or create treatments and devices which may help them. Some of those researches are about smart walkers, which are walkers that rely on electronics and control systems, besides the mechanical structure. Since those devices use sensors and actuators, they may improve the gait of those people who can use this kind of device, helping them in their physical rehabilitation process. Furthermore, smart walkers can help people who may not have enough force to use a conventional walker, but can rely on a smart walker, since it uses engines to help the orientation and propulsion. This kind of device can, therefore, help more people that conventional walkers and be an aid for physiotherapy sessions. This work shows an adaptation of a conventional walker into an robotic smart walker, by connecting the conventional walker to a robot.