Our research focuses on developing a robotic device that can deliver precise, patient-tailored exercise therapy to stroke and spinal cord injury survivors. We have developed a dual-use platform for sensorimotor diagnostics and for the therapy of wrist/hand function. We are currently developing a platform for delivering gamified rehabilitation exercises in an effort to enhance patient engagement during therapy.
Dr. Naveen Elangovan is leading the efforts to commercialize this robotic technology and make it easily accessible to the patient population in rehabilitation hospitals. Dr. Jürgen Konczak is the PI for the project. Dr. Lorenzo Masia from Heidelberg University in Germany is the lead inventor of the WristBot and he is actively involved in the continued R&D of the technology.
In association with Dr. Konczak, Dr. Elangovan has founded Rehabnetics Medical LLC, a UMN startup company, to continue the commercialization efforts. The team has conducted over 125 customer discovery interviews through National Science Foundation’s Innovation Corps program to understand the challenges faced by the physical rehabilitation industry in the United States. The knowledge gained from this experience has informed and structured the R&D efforts to align the technology based on the therapists’ and patients’ needs. Recently, Dr. Elangovan pitched the startup idea at the Walleye Tank competition and won the competition under the Juniors category.
Related Publications:
Elangovan N, Tuite PJ, Konczak J. (2018). Somatosensory Training Improves Proprioception and Untrained Motor Function in Parkinson’s Disease. Frontiers in Neurology. 2018 Dec 10;9:1053. doi: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01053.