Page 350 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

Chapter 11 • Robotics 339

Future of Robotics

There have been a large number of assistive robots developed over several decades, but
only a minority of these is commercially available, with the majority still in the research
and development phase. It is evident that assistive robotics is an area which is rapidly pro-
gressing, but is still in need of considerable development.
To date, the financial advantage of applying robotic systems for rehabilitation purposes
has not been demonstrated. In addition to this, factors such as lack of clinical evidence,
limited functionality, safety concerns, equipment size and usability issues have most likely
inhibited them from being adopted in clinical settings or in homes (Van der Loos and
Reinkensmeyer, 2008; Babaiasl et al., 2015).
Progress needs to be specially made in making widespread availability of low-cost
robotic devices.
Zollo et al. (2013) outlined four main challenges in the development and widespread
use of assistive robotic technology:
1� Developing standardised research tools and objectively measured outcomes to
evaluate robotic systems from the user’s standpoint.
2� Conducting more user trials for the device in ‘natural’ environments to assess device
safety, reliability, efficacy and acceptability.
3� Improving the synergy between clinicians and technology to enable the technology to
be adopted in clinical settings. This would have the potential to allow users increased
independence and reduce the burden on caregivers.
4� Promote communication with the industry to share robotic developments and allow
their integration in commercial systems.

Ideal future robotic assistive technologies would concurrently overcome these chal-
lenges and fulfil the ethical requirements as suggested by Alsegier (2016).
In the area of robotic exoskeletons for gait, areas where further research would benefit
include walking performance characterisation, reduction in the metabolic energy expenditure
of the user while wearing the device, alternative access to devices and development of efficient
and lightweight power supplies, actuators and transmission mechanisms (Weightman et al.,
2014; Chen et al., 2016; Dollar and Herr, 2008). For mobility purposes, most robotic exoskel-
etons for gait assistance use batteries as a power source. Limited by current battery technology,
the weight of the battery pack of an exoskeleton system is usually heavy. The energy efficiency
of exoskeletons needs to be improved to prolong operation time.
The price of assistive robots is a challenging issue. Existing systems are beyond the
financial reach of most people with mobility disorders. Research efforts should focus on
developing systems that are affordable. With improvements in robotics and mechatron-
ics technologies, the price of high-performance actuators and sensors could potentially
decrease, making the exoskeleton systems more affordable.
Increased evidence of their efficacy in the rehabilitation of users with specific clinical
conditions would ensure these devices target the appropriate client groups.