Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Rachel Hybart is a rising leader in the field of rehabilitation robotics and human-machine interaction, with a research focus on the embodiment and real-world application of robotic lower-limb exoskeletons. Her work bridges neuroscience and engineering to understand how the human nervous system adapts to wearable robotic devices. In her highly cited narrative review (44 citations), Hybart synthesized key insights on embodiment, revealing how users can perceive exoskeletons as extensions of their own bodies—a critical step for intuitive control and user acceptance. Her experimental studies, including those with the Dephy Exoboot, have broken new ground by moving exoskeleton research out of the lab and into complex, outdoor environments. By demonstrating that proportional myoelectric control can reduce triceps surae muscle activity during walking, she has provided evidence for neuromechanical adaptation that could lead to more efficient, user-responsive devices. Her work on gait variability further highlights the differences between treadmill and real-world walking, underscoring the need for ecologically valid testing. With a growing citation record and a focus on translational impact, Hybart is shaping the future of assistive robotics for everyday mobility.