Automation in Rehabilitation: How to Include the Human into the Loop

Within rehabilitation robotic applications, integrating the human into the loop can be considered not only from a biomechanical view but also with regard to psycho-physiological aspects. Biomechanical integration involves ensuring that the system to be used is ergonomically acceptable and “user-cooperative”. Psycho-physiological integration involves recording and controlling the patient’s physiological reactions so that the patient receives appropriate stimuli and is challenged in a moderate but engaging and motivating way without causing undue stress or harm. In this paper, we present examples of biomechanical and psycho-physiological integration of patients verified with the gait robot Lokomat and the dynamic tilt and stepping device Erigo.