Ambidexter: A Low Cost Portable Home-Based Robotic Rehabilitation Device for Training Fine Motor Skills

This paper describes the Ambidexter, a low cost portable home-based robotic rehabilitation device for training fine motor skills. The Ambidexter is a 3 degree-of-freedom (DOF) robotic device designed for training hand opening/closing, forearm pronation/supination and wrist flexion/extension. The aim of physical/occupational therapy is to help the patients to improve the ability to perform activities in daily life (ADLs). Currently, due to the high cost and complexity, robotic assisted rehabilitation device are only available at rehabilitation center or therapeutic institution with proper supervision by trained therapist. A low-cost home-based robotic device is needed to solve the existing shortage of trained therapists and high number of patients needing upper limbs rehabilitation. Home-based device also enables patients to get more exercises with minimum assistance at the comfort of their home. It reduces the need to travel and the reliance on physical presence of trained therapists. This paper will present the design considerations and criteria adopted with the aim to reduce cost while maintaining the functionality and effectiveness of the robotic device.