Human-centered socially assistive robotics for rehabilitation: Is it time for a robot coach?

Human-robot interaction (HRI) for socially assistive applications is a growing research area at the intersection of robotics, health science, psychology, social and cognitive science. Assistive robotics has the potential to enhance quality of life for large user populations. Individuals in rehabilitation therapy are potential beneficiaries of socially assistive technology, both for improved mobility and for improved outcomes in recovery. Socially assistive robotics (SAR) focuses on assisting through social, not physical, interaction (D. Feil-Seifer and M.J. Mataric, 2005). SAR can offer cost-effective methods for aiding recovery by maximizing the patient motivation both during and after structured rehabilitation. We are developing a general and affordable technology that can provide supplemental therapy, supervision, and encouragement of functional practice for individuals with impaired movement capability in an effort to significantly augment in- and out-of clinic care. This creates a critical niche for SAR, wherein human-robot interaction can be used not to replace physical or occupational therapists, but to augment human care as a readily available individualized rehabilitation aid.