Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Josiane Lettre is a rehabilitation researcher whose work centers on assistive robotics and its transformative potential for individuals living with upper-extremity disabilities and neuromuscular disorders. Her research has made significant contributions to understanding how robotic arm technology — particularly the JACO robotic arm — affects the independence, daily functioning, and social participation of people with physical impairments. Lettre's most influential work includes a 2018 case series examining the long-term impacts of JACO use on both users and their family caregivers, which has garnered 46 citations and remains a landmark study in the field. Complementing this, her scoping reviews systematically mapped the broader evidence base surrounding robotic arm impacts, helping clarify what was known and where critical knowledge gaps persisted. Her technical contributions extend into intelligent algorithm evaluation, exploring how smarter control systems can reduce the complexity and effort required to operate assistive robotic devices in everyday tasks. With a consistent focus on real-world usability and user-centered outcomes, Lettre's body of work has helped elevate robotic assistive technology from a novelty to a clinically relevant intervention. Her research continues to inform both device development and rehabilitation practice for populations with limited upper-limb function.