Researchers from Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) and Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have created a wearable assistive robot that can detect and stop a fall before it occurs, lowering the user’s risk of damage
The National Robotics Programme, a multiagency national programme that examines the end-to-end development of differentiating robotics enablers and solutions in Singapore, from funding research and development (R&D) to facilitating partnerships for translation and adoption to maximise socio-economic impact, served as the catalyst for the development of the robot, which can also be used to help patients recover from their injuries.
The Mobile Robotic Balance Assistant, often known as MRBA (pronounced “Mister-Bah”), employs built-in sensors to instantly detect a user’s loss of balance and then catches them with a safety harness that is fastened around their hips.
Users who have trouble walking and balancing would also benefit from the device’s assistance in standing up from a seated position safely and sitting down safely from a standing position. To better anticipate future imbalances or falls, it also uses a depth-sensing camera to track the user’s movements while machine learning algorithms evaluate the user’s balance status in real-time.
With ageing, the human balance control system deteriorates. This is made worse by ailments including vertigo, neurological disorders, musculoskeletal issues like ankle sprains, scoliosis, or missing limbs. Falls are frequently caused by this loss of balance control, especially in the elderly.
Falling is the second-leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury-related deaths globally, according to the World Health Organisation. In Singapore, 40% of injury-related fatalities are caused by falls.
It can enable persons with restricted mobility complete daily tasks like getting dressed, opening doors, entering, and departing elevators, minor culinary duties, and tasks like watering plants. It is designed to be used in institutional and residential settings with little assistance from caregivers.
The researchers discovered that MRBA was effective in assisting people with sitting, standing, and walking, as well as helping with tasks like fetching water, in clinical studies involving 29 participants, including patients who suffered from a stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries. In the trials, which lasted three days for each participant, there were no falls reported.
The technology offers a more effective tool to assist in the care of Singapore’s ageing population, reflecting the commitment of both NTU and TTSH to using technology and innovation to address the demands and difficulties of healthy ageing, one of the four grand challenges facing humanity that the University seeks to address through its NTU 2025 strategic plan.
There are three models of MRBA. Users of the first model who weigh up to 80 kilogrammes can use it, while those who weigh up to 120 kilogrammes can use the second model.
The Agile model, the third generation, allows for more fluid motions. The robot can support physiotherapy consultations in addition to helping users with daily tasks by helping injured people perform necessary rehabilitation activities like side-stepping, balancing on a rocker board, and standing on one leg.
Users experience greater confidence in carrying out daily activities, including sports like bouncing and tossing a basketball, kicking a soccer ball, and even playing badminton, thanks to the balance assistance that is provided.
To further develop the use case for the robot in domestic and public contexts, the research team intends to broaden the study and enlist 71 additional volunteers from day rehabilitation facilities.
For the robot to aid people who need such balance and assistive solutions, the Rehabilitation Research Institute of Singapore (RRIS) team is also collaborating with industry partners to commercialise the MRBA within the next year.
