An open source graphical user interface for wireless communication and operation of wearable robotic technology

Area of Science:

• Robotics
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Rehabilitation Engineering

Background:

• Wearable robotic exoskeletons can advance gait training beyond clinical settings, increasing therapy dosage in natural environments.
• Intuitive and reliable interfaces are crucial for seamless human-robot interaction in community-based rehabilitation.
• Interfaces that log robot data during use are valuable for research and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and validate an open-source graphical user interface (GUI) for wireless control and data logging of a pediatric robotic exoskeleton.
• To provide a user-friendly interface for both trained professionals and end-users/caretakers.
• To enable robust data acquisition for research and clinical evaluation of exoskeleton-assisted gait training.

Main Methods:

• Developed an open-source GUI for wireless operation and real-time data logging from a pediatric robotic exoskeleton.
• Created a simplified mobile application for end-user or caretaker operation.
• Validated GUI functionality using a motion capture system during simulated walking trials with the exoskeleton.

Main Results:

• The GUI successfully enabled wireless control of the exoskeleton.
• Real-time data logging from exoskeleton sensors was achieved with high fidelity.
• Data logging accuracy was comparable to that of a motion capture system.

Conclusions:

• The developed GUI provides a reliable and intuitive interface for pediatric robotic exoskeletons.
• The open-source code is configurable for various microcontroller-operated robotic devices.
• This tool facilitates the deployment and evaluation of community-based robotic rehabilitation systems.