Design of an Elbow Rehabilitation Robot based on Force Measurement and its Force Control

Abstract

This paper describes the design of an elbow rehabilitation robot based on force measurement that enables a severe stroke patient confined to their bed to receive elbow rehabilitation exercises. The developed elbow rehabilitation robot was providewitha two-axis force/torque sensor which can detect force Fz and torque Tz, thereby allowing it to measure therotational force (Tz) exerted on the elbow and the signal force Fz which can be used as a safety device. The robot was designed and manufactured for severe stroke patients confined to bed, and the robot program was manufactured to perform flexibility elbow rehabilitation exercises. Asa result of the characteristics test of the developed rehabilitation robot, the device was safely operated while the elbow rehabilitation exercises were performed. Therefore, it is thought that the developed rehabilitation robot can be used for severe stroke patients.