A Mechatronic Device for the Rehabilitation of Ankle Motion

The paper presents the main results from a research aiming at the design of an electro-mechanical actuator to assist walking movements of the ankle articulation, for use in the rehabilitation of lower limb motion in patients suffering neurological disease. Motivations for the research project are discussed within the framework of the application of mechatronic concepts within rehabilitation practice. The entire design process is then described, from the definition of project target through the mechanical concept and control design steps until design validation by means of numerical simulations and tests on a prototype.