The robot has a hand with the same size and shape as a human hand, and can punch, vibrate, massage, and use finger techniques with patients.
A research team from Shanghai Jiaotong University and Shanghai University of Science successfully developed a new robot that uses traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques to massage patients. This robot can become an additional therapeutic tool in healthcare and rehabilitation facilities, Interesting Engineering reported on December 29. New research published in the journal arXiv.
“We apply an adaptive sensitivity control algorithm to optimize force and position control, addressing challenges such as patient position changes and differences in muscle stiffness, ensuring safety.” safe and comfortable,” said study authors Yuan Xu, Kui Huang, Weichao Guo and Leyi Du.
The new robot uses jaka zhu7 robotic arms, each equipped with a multi-function massage hand, meticulously designed to simulate the size and shape of a human hand. According to the research team, the robot hand has 4 operating modes, each simulating different TCM massage techniques, capturing the concept of viscera and meridians.
The robot hand can perform functions including palm punching, vibration, massage and using finger techniques. Each function requires different tools. For example, with the massage function, a specially designed massage motor allows the robot to pinch the patient’s back.
To develop the new robot, the research team first observed and collected data from TCM massage experts. This is done by combining motion capture and force sensing technology. The data is then used to train a machine learning algorithm, which ultimately forms the “brain” of the new robot.
“Through the introduction of these technologies, the study provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the implementation of robotic massage techniques, promoting the combination of traditional Chinese massage with modern robots.” , opening up new perspectives for supportive therapeutic approaches,” the research team explains.
Xu, Huang, Guo, and Du tested the robot to evaluate its ability to accurately reproduce various TCM massage techniques. The results showed that the robot effectively performed all four main massage techniques.
The team of experts hopes to test the robot on humans to further evaluate its capabilities and review patient reactions. They also hope that the robot will help stimulate further research into automated massage systems, possibly including other types of massage.