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Current Trends and Challenges in Pediatric Access to Sensorless and Sensor-Based Upper Limb Exoskeletons
Guillaume Gaudet1,2, Maxime Raison1,2, Sofiane Achiche1
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, Polytechnique Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric upper limb exoskeletons are scarce due to adaptation challenges. Sensor-based designs offer better customization for children, enhancing daily activities and development.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Rehabilitation Robotics
- Pediatric Assistive Technology
Background:
- Upper limb exoskeletons are crucial for enhancing motor function in children but face significant limitations.
- Pediatric applications require specialized designs to accommodate growth and unique user needs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review pediatric needs and current trends in upper limb exoskeleton development.
- To explore future prospects for improving the accessibility of these devices for children.
Main Methods:
- Literature review identifying 14 pediatric upper limb exoskeletons.
- Classification of exoskeletons based on sensor type (sensorless vs. sensor-based), application, motorization, target population, and supported movements.
Main Results:
- The scarcity of pediatric upper limb exoskeletons is attributed to the complexity of adapting to children's growth and specific needs.
- Sensor-based exoskeletons are identified as a promising direction, offering greater adaptability for pediatric users.
Conclusions:
- Sensor-based upper limb exoskeletons are recommended to better meet the diverse needs of children.
- These devices can significantly improve children's participation in daily activities and mitigate developmental impairments.
Abstract:
Sensorless and sensor-based upper limb exoskeletons that enhance or support daily motor function are limited for children. This review presents the different needs in pediatrics and the latest trends when developing an upper limb exoskeleton and discusses future prospects to improve accessibility. First, the principal diagnoses in pediatrics and their respective challenge are presented. A total of 14 upper limb exoskeletons aimed for pediatric use were identified in the literature. The exoskeletons were then classified as sensorless or sensor-based, and categorized with respect to the application domain, the motorization solution, the targeted population(s), and the supported movement(s). The relative absence of upper limb exoskeleton in pediatrics is mainly due to the additional complexity required in order to adapt to children's growth and answer their specific needs and usage. This review highlights that research should focus on sensor-based exoskeletons, which would benefit the majority of children by allowing easier adjustment to the children's needs. Sensor-based exoskeletons are often the best solution for children to improve their participation in activities of daily living and limit cognitive, social, and motor impairments during their development.
