Augmented Somatic Feedback in Upper-limb and Neurorehabilitation 

Frequent therapy is essential for the rehabilitation of arm and hand function of people after stroke. Robotic therapy can be used for high intensity training, but has a limited impact on Activities of Daily Living (ADL), for example eating or personal hygiene.
In this project, the impact of somatic feedback, such as the weight, geometry and texture of manipulated objects, on the therapy success is investigated. This is done by providing an upper-limb exoskeleton (ARMin) with the necessary haptic abilities, for example simulating carrying a cup of coffee. Finally, the difference between conventional robotic therapy and robotic therapy with haptic rendering is investigated in clinical studies involving therapists and people after stroke.