ENPM640

Recommended: Basic understanding of linear time-invariant control systems (e.g. ENPM667) is preferred but not required. No background or previous experience in assistive robotics, human biomechanics, and/or neuroscience is required. Credit only granted for: ENPM808J, ENPM640, or ENME444. Formerly: ENPM808J. An introduction to a field of robotics dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. The course is designed for students wishing to learn more about rehabilitation robotics, one of the fasting growing fields of robotics. Rehabilitation robotics is the application of robots to overcome disabilities resulting from neurologic injuries and physical trauma, and improve quality of life. This course considers not only engineering design and development, but also the human factors that make some innovative technologies successful and others commercial failures. Engineering innovation by itself, without considering other factors such as evidence-based R&D and product acceptance, may mean that some technologies don't become or remain available or are inefficacious to aid their intended beneficiaries. This course differs from medical robotics in its focus on improving the quality of life through robot-mediated rehabilitation treatments, rather than improving or enhancing applications such as surgical interventions.