Rudi Kobetic

Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland FES Center, United States Department of Veterans Affairs

Papers

Total Citations

127

H-Index

About

Rudi Kobetic is a leading researcher in neurorehabilitation engineering, focusing on restoring mobility for individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). His work centers on functional electrical stimulation (FES) and powered lower-limb exoskeletons, aiming to help those with paraplegia regain the ability to stand and walk. A key contribution is his 2007 case report on an implanted FES system for walking after incomplete SCI, which demonstrated short-term therapeutic and functional outcomes—a study that has garnered 88 citations. He also co-authored a widely-read 2015 review on powered exoskeletons, highlighting their potential to restore gait and improve quality of life for individuals with paraplegia. Beyond clinical applications, Kobetic’s innovative design of a locking compliant device inspired by spinal anatomy (2008) showcases his interdisciplinary approach, merging robotics with biomechanics. His research has directly shaped the development of assistive technologies, with over 100 citations across his most-cited works, underscoring his impact on rehabilitation science.