Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Byung-Woo Ko’s research lies at the intersection of rehabilitation robotics and human movement analysis, with a focus on restoring function for stroke survivors. His work is driven by a practical, patient-centered approach: he investigates how individuals with hemiplegia perform activities of daily living (ADL), such as drinking or walking, and uses these insights to design more effective robotic assistive devices. A key contribution is his kinematic analysis of upper extremity movement during drinking tasks, a study that has garnered 85 citations and remains a foundational reference for understanding motor deficits in stroke patients. Ko has also explored the integration of rhythmic auditory stimulation into robot-assisted gait training, and compared the biomechanical outcomes of exoskeleton versus end-effector devices for gait rehabilitation. His pilot work on the “smart mobile walker”—a motorized assistive walker—demonstrates his commitment to translating laboratory findings into real-world mobility aids. By grounding robotic design in rigorous motion analysis of daily tasks, Ko’s research directly informs the development of practical, user-friendly rehabilitation technologies that address the real challenges faced by patients in their everyday lives.