USC's robot to assist stroke patients to rehabilitate

Life is not easy for stroke victims and it is a challenging task to help them rehabilitate. University of Southern California has come up with a robot that would take care of the needs of such patients that would serve as their coach as well as companion. According to statistics there are 800,000 stroke victims every year and this figure is expected to double in next 20 years. The robot is the answer to take care the needs of such people as well as overcome the loopholes in human care.

USC's robot to coach stroke patients

The patient has to wear a galvanic sensor on his/her wrist that helps the robot keep track of the vital statistics of the patient. It would take account of the mood and motivation level of the patient gives a feedback that reminds the patient of the need to exercise. The patients are often reluctant to do so and often have a weak will power to overcome challenges. The robot kicks in here and asks the patient to buck up whenever the motivation level is low.

USC says that it would be exactly one of those expensive unaffordable robots to own. It would cost something around a high-end laptop. Surprisingly, it can also change from a normal looking robot wearing a USC hoodie to a complete hunk to assist the patient in exercising. It demonstrates the movements to make and gives the patient a demo of complete workout. Though don't consider it to be someone you can easily make fool of given to its response in the sample video as, "I may be a robot, but I am not blind."

Via: Medgadget