Robotics for rehabilitation — a European (?) perspective

Abstract

Rehabilitation Robotics (RR) is a challenging field with a high potential to support people with severe disabilities in their daily life. In the past years this field developed in Europe with a European dimension. European consortia have been supported in technical development and investigations. Also, several robotic aids have been sold and installed in Europe and support end users in their daily life. However, the breakthrough on the market is still outstanding. This paper tries to draw a picture of the RR situation in Europe and discusses aspects to move forward. Particular reference is given to TIDE (Technology Initiative for Disabled and Elderly people of European Union) and the special interest group on RR (SIG-1) of the AAATE (Association for the Advancement of Assistive Technology in Europe).