Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Hwi-Young Lee’s research sits at the intersection of biomechanics and rehabilitation robotics, with a focus on restoring mobility for individuals with neurological impairments. Her work centers on understanding the kinematic deficits following stroke—such as reduced gait speed and drop foot—and developing targeted robotic interventions to address them. Lee’s most cited paper, “Kinematic analysis of upper extremity movement during drinking in hemiplegic subjects” (85 citations), provides foundational insights into how stroke affects daily functional tasks, informing the design of more effective therapy. She has also made significant contributions to lower-extremity robotics, including the development of an ankle muscle trainer with malleolar and subtalar actuators and underfoot force sensors, designed to improve ankle dorsiflexion and combat drop foot. Her preliminary study on rhythmic auditory stimulation for robot-assisted gait rehabilitation explores novel feedback modalities to enhance motor learning. By incorporating user and expert feedback into the design of robotic exercise systems for the severely disabled, Lee ensures her innovations are both clinically relevant and patient-centered. Her work bridges the gap between rigorous kinematic analysis and practical, user-driven rehabilitation technology.