Development of a Low-Cost 3D-Printed Robotic System for Objective Motor Control Assessment in Brain Injury Rehabilitation and Clinical Settings

1. Innovation and Health Problem Innovation and Scope This project aims to develop a 3D-printed robotic system, with associated software, to assess motor control in patients recovering from traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and strokes. This work is a proof-of-concept development and will focus on cost-effectiveness, accuracy, and, most importantly, usability—ease of use for both patients and clinicians. By capturing motor abilities in 3D, the system will assess daily activities such as reaching and lifting, which are critical for evaluation and rehabilitation. This innovation aligns with the scope of the FAST call by addressing the need for accessible, scalable solutions to improve patient outcomes in neurorehabilitation settings. Unmet Health Need The project addresses the significant unmet need for objective, reliable motor function assessments in brain injury rehabilitation. Current clinical assessments are often subjective, failing to capture subtle deficits, especially in early recovery stages. For example, clinicians perform crude assessments to evaluate sensorimotor function, identify factors contributing to functional decline, and initiate preventive and rehabilitative measures, highlighting the need for the development of more reliable, objective testing methods. For instance, a recent study employed iPads for drawing tasks to assess sensorimotor function, albeit limited to tasks in a single plane and without considerations of the generation of force (Austin et al., 2023). Our proposed system fills that gap by offering accurate, quantitative evaluations of motor skills, enabling better diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment adjustments. Stage of Development and Evidence Work will be carried out under the direction of Dr Ian Howard, at the University of Plymouth, who has extensive experience in analysing human movement; see, for example, some recent relevant publications (Howard et al., 2012, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2024). A functional prototype has been developed, integrating a 3D-printed structure and CAN-operated servomotors to perform complex motor tasks (Howard, 2023). This system builds on earlier success with 2D robotic systems, for which several designs are available and have been used for motor assessment (Krebs et al., 1998; Scott, 1999). We recently used the vBOT (Howard et al., 2009), to test both younger and elderly populations to assess motor function (Alvarez-Hidalgo et al., 2024). The current project will move through key stages: system optimization, software development for robot control and data analysis, pilot testing with 24 participants, and ongoing patient and public involvement (PPI) to ensure practical real-world applications. Importantly, ethical approval for the experiments with human participants is already in place. PPI Activities Public and patient engagement will be integral to the development of the prototype. Clinicians and patients have already provided feedback to shape the project s direction, ensuring that the innovation addresses real-world assessment and rehabilitation challenges. Two successful PPI events were recently held by our team (in Tavistock and Plymouth), engaging over 150 elderly people interested in our research into motor assessment and rehabilitation therapies, incorporating views from the public. Further PPI events will be held during the duration of the current project.