An Introduction to Rehabilitation Robotics
Prof. José Zariffa
Kite Research Institute
Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network
Thurs, May 21, 2020 | 2-3pm ET | Zoom opens at 1:55pm
Abstract
Physical medicine and rehabilitation focuses on restoring function and quality of life to individuals with physical impairments and disabilities. It is fundamentally concerned with movement and physical interactions. As such, robotics are well suited to play a role in delivering therapy and supplementing the ability to move after an injury. To be successful, these technologies need to be based on a firm understanding of how people (re)learn to move, and of how rehabilitation care is delivered today. This presentation will present design considerations for rehabilitation robots using key examples from the field, as well as perspectives for robotic assistive technologies.
Bio
Dr. José Zariffa is a Scientist at the Kite Research Institute, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network, and an Associate Professor at the Institute of Biomaterials & Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto. He received his Ph.D. degree in electrical and biomedical engineering from the University of Toronto. He then completed post-doctoral fellowships at the International Collaboration On Repair Discoveries (ICORD) in Vancouver, and at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. His research interests focus on neuroprosthetics and technology for upper limb neurorehabilitation, encompassing work in wearable sensors, neural interfaces, rehabilitation robotics, and electrophysiology. Dr. Zariffa is the recipient of an Ontario Early Researcher Award.