Laura De Rijcke

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Laura De Rijcke is a leading researcher in the field of wearable and rehabilitation robotics, with a particular focus on the design and actuation of robotic exoskeletons. Her work bridges the critical gap between human physiology and machine design, addressing fundamental challenges in creating effective, lightweight, and powerful assistive devices. Her most cited paper, "Driving Robotic Exoskeletons Using Cable-Based Transmissions: A Qualitative Analysis and Overview" (2018, 39 citations), provides a seminal analysis of cable-driven actuation, a key innovation for reducing system weight while maintaining necessary force output. In her influential 2015 work "Robot-Assisted Rehabilitation Therapy: Recovery Mechanisms and Their Implications for Machine Design" (31 citations), she connects neurological recovery mechanisms directly to engineering requirements, offering a framework that has guided subsequent rehabilitation robot development. De Rijcke also contributed to the SPEXOR project ("Towards a Passive Spinal Exoskeleton," 2016), exploring passive designs for occupational back support. Her research is essential reading for anyone interested in the intersection of biomechanics, control systems, and clinical application, as she systematically tackles the trade-offs between power, weight, and safety that define modern exoskeleton technology.