The Promising Synergy of Robotics and AI Exoskeletons
Innovations are the backbone of progress. Progress lies when every living being of the nation receives a good quality of life. On this National Technology Day, let's reflect on the profound social impact of technology in improving the lives of those in need. From individuals recovering from health conditions to those seeking rehabilitation, technology has become a beacon of hope, offering innovative solutions to enhance their quality of life. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 2.4 billion individuals worldwide could benefit from rehabilitation services. Today, technology is revolutionizing rehabilitative medicine through innovations such as robotics, virtual reality, musculoskeletal modeling, simulations, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), motion analysis, and more.
With increasing rates of conditions like stroke, which affect almost 110 million people worldwide, around 5 lakh people suffering from spinal cord injury, and more than 10 million people living with Parkinson's disease (including those with other gait disabilities), exoskeleton systems have emerged as a new technology for providing advanced rehabilitation. Through the synergy of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics along with exoskeletons in rehabilitation, patients and doctors experience cheerful therapy sessions, especially individuals affected by spinal cord injuries, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological conditions.
Exoskeletons are wearable devices that work in tandem with the user. According to WHO’s Global Report on Assistive Technology, more than 2.5 billion people require one or more assistive products. Robotic exoskeletons are now widely used in the healthcare industry, to help people with mobility limitations, such as spinal cord injuries or brain injuries, to walk again. Studies have shown that patients recovering from various ailments may walk more quickly, steadily, and for extended periods when using exoskeletons. They are also called robotic suits, powered armor, wearable machines, and power jackets. G Gaiter, our Most Advanced Robotic Gait Trainer, is developed to provide the most advanced Robotic Gait Training with better quality, reliability, and comfort.
G Gaiter is designed to provide gait training to patients in the most natural way. A patient, who previously needed the assistance of 3 to 4 people to stand,was actually able to stand alone after being introduced to G Gaiter. This highlights the significant impact G Gaiter can have, as patients can be easily supported for gait training. Their fear of falling is completely eliminated as therapy sessions become safer. The progress of the patient is continuously monitored, and they can experience a real walking scenario with the inbuilt VR Technology, which motivates them to take more strides. The main benefit is the time and energy saved, as a greater number of steps (an average of 700 steps in 20 minutes) can be completed in a shorter duration without exhausting the patient and therapist. The integration of AI in G Gaiter provides 3 personalized modes – Active, Assistive, and Passive, according to the effort the patient can exert. With this advanced technology, we are elevating the landscape of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation across India by making gait training more accessible to all.
On this National Technology Day, the success of innovations like G Gaiter underscores the boundless potential of science and technology to enhance human lives. Far from displacing humanity, artificial intelligence, when harnessed responsibly, becomes a powerful ally in our pursuit of a better future. The convergence of healthcare and technologies like G Gaiter can improve patient outcomes, enhance access to care, increase efficiency, and drive innovation in the healthcare industry. The synergy of Robotics and AI Exoskeletons holds great potential in transforming the rehabilitative landscape.
References:
- ↗ NICHD (2018) - What are some types of rehabilitative technologies.
- ↗ World Health Organization (2024) – Rehabilitation.
- ↗ World Health Organization (2022) – Global Report on Assistive Technology
