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JMIR News: Keeping up with clinical AI

Clinical AI innovations are enhancing healthcare capabilities through competition-driven development, customization, and cost-effectiveness. Modern technologies, such as rehabilitation robotics and AI-powered robots, are personalizing treatment plans to improve recovery rates and reduce healthcare costs.

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeNews article·DateAug 14, 2026

Beyond the finish line at Cybathlon 2024: Omnia’s pilot performance and the role of teamwork

The Omnia bionic leg, developed by the Italian Institute of Technology, won the Cybathlon 2024 leg prosthesis race with its semipowered knee and ankle system. Andrea Modica, a transfemoral amputee and pilot of the device, successfully completed 9 out of 10 tasks in just 2 minutes and 57 seconds.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2025

Artificial sense of touch, improved

Scientists develop brain-computer interface that allows users to design distinct tactile experiences for different objects, enabling them to guess the object by sensation alone. The study represents an important step towards creating a neuroprosthetic that feels pleasant and intuitive to use.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2025

New knit haptic sleeve simulates realistic touch

Researchers at Stanford University have designed a comfortable, flexible knit sleeve that simulates realistic touch using pressure-based haptics. The Haptiknit sleeve provides more accurate tactile feedback than vibration-based devices, allowing for smoother navigation, military communication, and rehabilitation.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 18, 2024

Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) improves gait ability in SBMA patients and maintains quality of life over an extended period

The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) system improved gait distance by 30% and maintained quality of life in patients with Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA). The study suggests that continuous HAL therapy can preserve physical function and quality of life over an extended period.

SourceToho University·JournalJournal of Clinical Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2024

First long term study shows use of socially assistive robot improves stroke rehabilitation

Researchers found that socially assistive robots improved stroke rehabilitation outcomes by encouraging people to continue their treatment in a non-judgmental setting. Participants who used the robots showed significant improvements in kinematic and clinical measures, including smoothness of movement and upper-extremity assessments.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 24, 2024

Portable engine powers artificial muscles in assistive devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a lightweight fluidic engine that can power muscle-mimicking soft robots for use in assistive devices. The new engine generates significant force and is untethered to an external power source, making it particularly attractive for improving people's ability to move their upp...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

Breakthrough in tremor treatment: Robotic therapy developed by GIST researchers improves daily activities

Researchers at the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have developed an innovative robotic rehabilitation system called SPINDLE to enhance the strength and dexterity of individuals with tremors. The study revealed significant benefits, including improved motor control, coordination, and neuroplasticity.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2024

Artificial intelligence strategy may promise more widespread use of portable, robotic exoskeletons — on earth and in space

Researchers have developed an AI-powered controller that enables portable, robotic exoskeletons to learn and adapt in simulation, allowing for more efficient and realistic data. The new technology has shown promising results in reducing energy expenditure by up to 24.3% for wearers.

SourceEmbry-Riddle Aeronautical University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024

Robotic hip exoskeleton shows promise for helping stroke patients regain their stride

A portable robotic device has been developed to improve walking function in stroke survivors by altering gait asymmetry. The study, published in IEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering, reveals that the exoskeleton can effectively train individuals to modify their walking asymmetry.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

KAIST research team develops sweat-resistant wearable robot sensor

A KAIST research team has developed a stretchable and adhesive microneedle sensor that can detect physiological signals without being affected by sweat and dead skin. The sensor allows for long-term stable control of wearable robots, enabling precise movement recognition for rehabilitation treatments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

Can we fight back against Parkinson’s disease? These research volunteers hope so

Researchers at Boston University's Center for Neurorehabilitation have made two important advances that may help people with Parkinson's disease walk more smoothly. Wearable soft robotic apparel and a music-based technology were tested in studies, showing promising results in increasing walking duration and distance.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 5, 2024

New “injectable tissue prosthesis coupled with closed-loop bioelectronic system” to aid in damaged muscle/nerve regeneration and robot-assisted rehabilitation

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science developed a novel approach to healing muscle injury using conductive hydrogels and robot-assisted rehabilitation. The injectable tissue prosthesis enhances gait in rodent models without nerve stimulation, while improving long-term muscle tissue regeneration.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2023

Robotic exoskeletons and neurorehabilitation for acquired brain injury: Determining the potential for recovery of overground walking

A team of New Jersey researchers reviewed the evidence on robotic exoskeleton devices for individuals with acquired brain injury, laying out a systematic framework for future research. The review highlights the need for comprehensive approaches to evaluate these devices and their role in improving mobility in individuals with acquired ...

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalFrontiers in Neurorobotics·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Robotic glove that ‘feels’ lends a ‘hand’ to relearn playing piano after a stroke

Researchers developed a soft robotic exoskeleton glove using AI to improve hand dexterity and classify song variations. The device provides real-time feedback and adjustments, making it easier for users to grasp correct movement techniques, with an accuracy of 97.13% in classifying correct and incorrect song versions.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeCase study·DateJun 30, 2023

Robotic therapy: A new effective treatment for chronic stroke rehabilitation

A study published in Stroke journal found robot therapy to be as effective as traditional therapy in improving motor function and daily tasks for chronic stroke patients. The robotic device provided repetitive exercises and real-time analysis, leading to significant improvements in shoulder, elbow, and forearm use.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalStroke·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 11, 2022

“How much is too much” for assistance level using robotic therapy in stroke rehabilitation

A study found that robotic therapy with high assistance levels improves upper limb function in severe-to-moderate stroke survivors, while moderate-to-mild patients perform better with less assistance. The researchers suggest tailoring robotic assistance to individual patient needs and encourage further research using objective tools.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 25, 2022

A soft, stretchable thermometer

Researchers developed a soft, stretchable, self-powered thermometer that can be integrated into stretchable electronics and soft robots, enabling new human-machine interfaces and applications. The sensor has high sensitivity and quick response time, and can measure temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius or as cold as -100 degrees Celsius.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 24, 2022

Tinkertoy Robot Shows How Humans Walk

A Cornell University robot made from plastic Tinkertoy parts has been shown to perform repeatable, chattering, human-like stable steps without falling over on a gentle slope. The robot's design provides new insights into the mechanics of walking and may have implications for designing better powered and controlled biped robots.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 1998