Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Marina Gaffuri is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation and assistive robotics, with a primary focus on restoring gait function in stroke survivors. Her work centers on the clinical application of wearable powered exoskeletons, particularly for overground gait training in sub-acute and chronic hemiparetic patients. Gaffuri’s major contributions include demonstrating that overground robot-assisted gait training (o-RAGT) can significantly improve ambulatory capacity, often surpassing conventional physiotherapy. Her 2017 preliminary study (83 citations) established the feasibility of early exoskeleton use post-stroke, while her landmark 2021 randomized controlled trial (69 citations) provided robust evidence of efficacy in subacute subjects, showing enhanced recovery of walking ability. She has also explored the use of surface electromyography (sEMG) for fine-tuning exoskeleton assistance, personalizing therapy to individual muscle activation patterns. With over 150 cumulative citations, Gaffuri’s work bridges engineering and clinical practice, advancing the standard of care for stroke rehabilitation. Her research is instrumental in making robotic exoskeletons a viable, evidence-based tool for early, intensive gait retraining.