| Assistive Robotics - BOTS OF THE
FUTURE
http://thevector.njit.edu/20010403/aande/shootingstars.html
The horizon of robotic
technology is shifting rapidly to assisting the disabled and
diseased. Robotics can also be used in detecting bombs in
terrorist plots and find victims of an earthquake. Researchers are
now dedicated to developing "innovative clinical treatments" that
assist individuals with physical disabilities and increase their
freedom. The focus of assistive robotics in this area is aimed at
improving the mobility of the disabled. Several robots that are
already in testing are: electronic and autonomous wheelchairs,
electronic eyes, robotic implants, mechanical arms, and
therapeutic devices, and tools that assist a doctor during
surgery.
Several institutions directing
aid towards the development of assistive robotics include:
Rehabilitation Research and Development Center in Palo Alto,
California, NIH, SBIR consolations, CRADA, VA Health Care System,
Stanford University, and Johns Hopkins.
TETRAPLEGIA:
Tetraplegia is also known as quadriplegia or
hemiplegia, and is caused by severe spinal cord injury.
Tetraplegia is categorized by the area of the spinal cord it
occurs; injury on the top of the spinal cord is known as C-1
tetraplegia, under this portion it is the C-2 area, and etcetera.
This destructive disease removes the ability to move and feel all
four limbs and pars of the body below the area of injury.
Tetraplegia occurs when injury occurs in the 5th to 7th
cervical vertebrae. This section makes up the bones in the neck
and the top of the spinal cord. The brain will not be able to send
messages past the injured area, and paralyzes the body.
Tetraplegia occurs to about 150,000 individuals in America.
Tetraplegic patients must be kept under constant watch because of
their lack of senses. They are more prone to disease and other
major complications such as pneumonia. Quadriplegia is diagnosed
by X-Rays of the head, chest, and abdomen areas. Myelography is
also used to “examine for any blockage in the spinal cord or
fractures in the bone.” In current society, researchers are
devising innovative ways to improve the life of a tetraplegic
patient by the use of robotic instruments.
Superman (Christopher Reeves) is one of the
most recognized individuals with spinal cord tetraplegic injury.
He created a major awareness of this disorder and is a major
benefactor towards the research and developments that can help
treat spinal cord injury.
Research Area: Biomechanical
Engineering
Diseases that assistive
robotics can aid: Sroke, Spinal Cord injury, Osteoporosis,
Arthritis
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