A Transformer Framework Informed by Muscle Anatomy and Sequence-to-Sequence Translation for Continuous Joint Kinematics Prediction Using sEMG.

The key to achieving assist-as-needed (AAN) control in rehabilitation robots lies in accurately predicting patient motion intentions. This study, for the first time, redefines motion intention prediction from the perspective of sequence-to-sequence translation by analogizing sEMG signals and joint angles to the source language and target language, respectively. The proposed 3DCNN-TF model achieves precise translation of neural control signals into kinematic representations.

Robot-Assisted Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Robo-TMS): A Review.

transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive and safe brain stimulation procedure with growing applications in clinical treatments and neuroscience research. However, achieving precise stimulation over prolonged sessions poses significant challenges. By integrating advanced robotics with conventional TMS, robot-assisted TMS (Robo-TMS) has emerged as a promising solution to enhance efficacy and streamline procedures.

Privacy-Preserving Approach for Early Detection of Long-Lie Incidents: A Pilot Study with Healthy Subjects.

(1) Background: Detecting long-lie incidents-where individuals remain immobile after a fall-is essential for timely intervention and preventing severe health consequences. However, most existing systems focus only on fall detection, neglect post-fall monitoring, and raise privacy concerns, especially in real-time, non-invasive applications; (2) Methods: This study proposes a lightweight, privacy-preserving, long-lie detection system utilizing thermal imaging and a soft-voting ensemble classifier. A low-resolution thermal camera captured simulated falls and activities of daily living (ADL) performed by ten healthy participants.

Instance-Based Transfer Learning with Similarity-Aware Subject Selection for Cross-Subject SSVEP-Based BCIs.

Steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) can achieve high recognition accuracy with sufficient training data. Transfer learning presents a promising solution to alleviate data requirements for the target subject by leveraging data from source subjects; however, effectively addressing individual variability among both target and source subjects remains a challenge. This paper proposes a novel transfer learning framework, termed instance-based task-related component analysis (iTRCA), which leverages knowledge from source subjects while considering their individual contributions.

Continuous Joint Kinematics Prediction Using GAT-LSTM Framework Based on Muscle Synergy and Sparse sEMG.

sEMG signals hold significant potential for motion prediction, with promising applications in areas such as rehabilitation, sports training, and human-computer interaction. However, achieving robust prediction accuracy remains a critical challenge, as even minor inaccuracies in motion prediction can severely affect the reliability and practical utility of sEMG-based systems. In this study, we propose a novel framework, muscle synergy (MS)-based graph attention networks (MSGAT-LSTM), specifically designed to address the challenges of continuous motion prediction using sparse sEMG electrodes.

Model Predictive Control with Optimal Modelling for Pneumatic Artificial Muscle in Rehabilitation Robotics: Confirmation of Validity Though Preliminary Testing.

This paper presents a model predictive controller (MPC) based on dynamic models generated using the Particle Swarm Optimisation method for accurate motion control of a pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) for application in rehabilitation robotics. The physical compliance and lightweight nature of PAMs make them desirable for use in the field but also introduce nonlinear dynamic properties which are difficult to accurately model and control. As well as the MPC, three other control systems were examined for a comparative study: a particle-swarm optimised proportional-integral-derivative controller (PSO-PID), an iterative learning controller (ILC), and classical PID control.

Novel Design on Knee Exoskeleton with Compliant Actuator for Post-Stroke Rehabilitation.

Knee joint disorders pose a significant and growing challenge to global healthcare systems. Recent advancements in robotics, sensing technologies, and artificial intelligence have driven the development of robot-assisted therapies, reducing the physical burden on therapists and improving rehabilitation outcomes. This study presents a novel knee exoskeleton designed for safe and adaptive rehabilitation, specifically targeting bed-bound stroke patients to enable early intervention.

The Design and Adaptive Control of a Parallel Chambered Pneumatic Muscle-Driven Soft Hand Robot for Grasping Rehabilitation.

The widespread application of exoskeletons driven by soft actuators in motion assistance and medical rehabilitation has proven effective for patients who struggle with precise object grasping and suffer from insufficient hand strength due to strokes or other conditions. Repetitive passive flexion/extension exercises and active grasp training are known to aid in the restoration of motor nerve function. However, conventional pneumatic artificial muscles (PAMs) used for hand rehabilitation typically allow for bending in only one direction, thereby limiting multi-degree-of-freedom movements.