Manolo Sta Cruz
Papers
6
Total Citations
131
H-Index
4
About
Manolo Sta Cruz is a leading researcher in rehabilitation robotics and human-friendly actuator design, with a focus on creating intelligent, portable systems for gait rehabilitation and patient care. His major contributions center on the development of novel compact compliant actuators—particularly Series Elastic Actuators (SEA)—that are force-controllable, back-drivable, and safe for direct physical interaction with the human body. His most cited work, “Mechanical design of a portable knee-ankle-foot robot” (46 citations), introduces a modular, compact robot designed for outpatient and home-based gait therapy, addressing the critical need for accessible rehabilitation beyond clinical settings. Sta Cruz’s innovative actuator designs, detailed in papers with 43 and 19 citations respectively, enable variable impedance and compliant force control, enhancing safety and adaptability in assistive robotics. He has also extended his expertise to perioperative care, developing the I-MOVE system to reduce physical restraint and trauma for children with autism spectrum disorder during anesthesia induction—a compassionate application of robotics. With over 130 total citations across his key works, Sta Cruz’s research bridges mechanical design, clinical application, and human-centered innovation, making him a notable figure in rehabilitation engineering.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Mechanical design of a portable knee-ankle-foot robot46 citations · 2013
- 2A novel compact compliant actuator design for rehabilitation robots43 citations · 2013
- 3
- 4Design of a novel robotic over-ground walking device for gait rehabilitation16 citations · 2014
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