Hardware for assistive/rehabilitation robotics
iHand (H2020-SMEINST-2-2016-2017, 01/04/2018 to 31/03/2020): This project develops a soft robotic glove to add extra strength to the grip and increase grip functions to prevent hand issues and reduce the risk of occupational injuries related to manual activities. The glove can be used in rehabilitation scenarios to assist people with limited grasping functionality.
CYBERLEGs++ (H2020-ICT-25-2016-2017 CYBERLEGs++, 01/01/2017 to 01/01/2020): The global goal of this project is to validate the technical and economic viability of the powered robotic ortho-prosthesis developed within the framework of the FP7-ICT-CYBERLEGs project as a means to enhance/restore the mobility of transfemoral amputees and to enable them to perform locomotion tasks such as ground-level walking, walking up and down slopes, climbing/descending stairs, standing up, sitting down and turning in scenarios of real life.
RobExReha (BMBF 16SV7849, 01/08/2017 to 31/07/2020): In the RobexReha project the development of an upper limb support system – a robotic arm – combined with augmented reality is being developed. Sensors of the robotic arm allow measuring the capabilities of the patient and therewith regulate the forces and the dynamic of the system to adequately apply for the technical support.
Control systems for assistive/rehabilitation robotics
MEMMO (H2020-ICT-2017-1, 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2022): This project creates a motion-generation technology for complex robots based on optimal control theory. Motions are pre-computed offline and adapted online to new situations according to sensor data with real-time model predictive control to achieve generalised motions for dynamically changing environments for use with an exoskeleton.
BELK (H2020-SMEInst-2018-2020-2, 01/12/2018 to 30/11/2020): This project develops exoskeletons for knee rehabilitation. It incorporates “assisted-as-needed” control and FES features during the natural gait to achieve optimised gait assistance helping to speed-up and to improve the rehabilitation process.
Socially cooperative systems for assistive/rehabilitation technologies
PRO GAIT (01/03/2018 to 28/02/2022). The project develops and tests a virtual reality brain-computer interface, including end-user feedback for robot-assisted gait training.
vCare (H2020-SC1-2017-CNECT-1, 01/09/2017 to 31/08/2021): The project develops a service model that embed knowledge of the system the clinical profiles and the pathways that will drive the behavior of the virtual coach for clinical support at home.
Impact cases of robotics technologies in health domains
RETRAINER (H2020-ICT-2014-1, 01/01/2015 to 31/12/2019): This project aims to tune and validate advanced, robot-based technologies to facilitate recovery of arm and hand function in stroke survivors and to verify extensively the use of the system by end-users. The device has been developed using a combination of a passive exoskeleton combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation.
MovAiD (H2020-FoF-2015, 01/09/2015 to 31/08/2018): This project develops a passive and highly customised kinetic-dynamic movement assistive device for upper and lower limbs to support people affected by musculoskeletal disorders. This device provides natural compensation of human movements by using a generative design approach to combine unique morphological characteristics with personalised kinematics.
HUMEXE (H2020-SMEINST-1-2015, 01/10/2015 to 31/03/2016): This project develops an exoskeleton that can provide full autonomy to patients by basing the movement control of the lower limbs on the movement of the upper limbs to provide the user the full movement control. This allows the user to control the lower limbs’ movement without the aid of crutches or supervision of another person.
Impact cases of robotics technologies in non-health domains
EURECA (Horizon 2020H2020-CS2-CFP03-2016-01, 01/2/2017 to 31/01/2020): This project aims to advanced human-robot collaborative solutions for assembling of aircraft interiors by providing advances in lightweight mobile arms and wearable upper arms exoskeletons to assist the human operator in handling and assembling of heavy parts.
Robo-Mate (FP7-2013-NMP-ICT-FOF(RTD), 01/09/2013 to 30/11/2016): This project develops a user-friendly intelligent cooperative lightweight wearable human-robotic exoskeleton for manual handling work assisting people in craft or mass production to prevent workplace injuries. Direct physical interaction using haptic technologies are combined with perception enhancement using cognitive science programming paradigms to drive the exoskeleton.
Benchmarking for assistive/rehabilitation robotics
EUROBENCH (H2020-ICT-2017-1, 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2022): The project creates the first unified benchmarking framework for robotic systems in Europe. This framework will allow companies and/or researchers to test the performance of their robots at any stage of development.
Digital twin for healthcare
DigiTwins (EU Flagship for Future and Emerging Technologies, in submission): The DigiTwins initiative aims at revolutionising healthcare for the benefit of citizens and society through the creation of Digital Twins – computer models of individuals that allow identification of the individually best therapy, prevention or health maintenance measure (https://www.digitwins.org).