Abstract 

As the global population ages and the prevalence of chronic conditions increases, the demand for innovative healthcare solutions is greater than ever. Assistive robotics has emerged as a pivotal technology to address these challenges, providing essential support for activities of daily living (ADLs) and revolutionizing rehabilitation processes. This keynote will explore the advancements in assistive robotics for personal care, focusing on three key areas: robot-aided ADL assistance, stroke rehabilitation, and telerehabilitation.

Firstly, assistive robotic systems enhance independence by aiding individuals with upper and lower limb dysfunctions in performing routine tasks such as feeding, drinking, opening/closing a door, picking/placing an object from out of reach, etc. These intelligent, adaptive systems are designed to cater to users' specific needs, enabling a higher quality of life and reducing caregiver burden. Secondly, rehabilitation robots, especially those tailored for stroke patients, are transforming the recovery process by providing consistent, precise, and repetitive therapeutic exercises. These robots support neuroplasticity and improve functional recovery through personalized rehabilitation protocols.

Furthermore, robot-aided telerehabilitation is reshaping home care by bridging the gap between patients and therapists. Through remote monitoring and real-time feedback, these systems enable patients to receive therapy in the comfort of their homes, fostering engagement and compliance.

By integrating AI, machine learning, and advanced robotics, we are on the cusp of a new era in personalized care. This presentation will highlight recent innovations, ongoing research, and future directions in robot-assisted personal care to empower individuals and transform rehabilitation practices.

Biography 

Dr. Habib Rahman, a senior member of IEEE, is a professor and chair of the mechanical engineering department at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). He also holds affiliations with the Computer Science and Biomedical Engineering Departments at UWM. Dr. Rahman is the founder and director of the BioRobotics Lab, a leading research facility focused on advancing assistive and rehabilitation robotics.

With over two decades of research experience in robotics and control, his work primarily focuses on the design, development, and control of assistive and rehabilitation robots intended to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities. His pioneering research in this field was recognized with the prestigious Switzer Research Distinguished Fellowship in 2023 for his work in telerehabilitation.

Dr. Rahman earned his BSc in Mechanical Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering & Technology, Bangladesh, in 2001, his Master of Engineering in bio-robotics from Saga University, Japan, in 2005, and his PhD in Engineering, specializing in bio-robotics from École de technologie supérieure (ETS), Université du Québec, Canada in 2012. Following his PhD, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship at McGill University's School of Physical & Occupational Therapy from 2012 to 2014.  

Dr. Rahman has authored over 200 research articles in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. He has also served as a Guest Editor and Associate Editor for several journals, including Frontiers in Robotics and AI: Biomedical Robotics and the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation.