Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Carmela Rifici is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation, with a focus on disorders of consciousness (DoC) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Her work pioneers the integration of robotic verticalization training (RVT) with neuromodulation and sensory therapies to promote recovery in patients with severe brain injuries. In her landmark 2022 pilot study (27 citations), Rifici demonstrated that combining RVT with music therapy significantly improved arousal and responsiveness in chronic DoC patients, offering a novel, non-pharmacological pathway for rehabilitation. She further advanced this field in 2024 (7 citations) by showing that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with RVT enhances cognitive function in minimally conscious states, highlighting the synergistic potential of these technologies. Beyond DoC, Rifici has explored the benefits of nabiximols (a cannabis-based medicine) alongside robotic gait training to improve motor performance in people with multiple sclerosis (7 citations). Her interdisciplinary approach—merging robotics, neurostimulation, and sensory enrichment—positions her at the forefront of translational neurorehabilitation, with her work cited for its clinical promise in awakening and restoring function in the most challenging patient populations.