An augmented reality interface to control a collaborative robot in rehab: A preliminary usability evaluation

Abstract

Human emotions can be seen as a valuable variable to explore in Human-Computer Interaction for effective, efficient, and satisfying interface development. The inclusion of appropriate emotional triggers in the design of interactive systems can play a decisive role in users' acceptance or rejection. It is well known that the major problem in motor rehabilitation is the high dropout rate resulting from the frustrated expectations given the typical slow recovery process and consequent lack of motivation to endure. This work proposes grouping a collaborative robot with one specific augmented reality equipment to create a rehabilitation system where some gamification levels might be added to provide a better and more motivating experience to patients. Such a system, as a whole, is customizable to adapt to each patient's needs on the rehabilitation exercises. By transforming a tedious exercise into a game, we expect to create an additional layer of enjoyment that can help in triggering positive emotions and stimulate users to continue the rehabilitation process. A pre-prototype was developed to validate this system's usability, and a cross-sectional study using a non-probabilistic sample of 31 individuals is presented and discussed. This study included the application of three standard questionnaires on usability and user experience. The analyses of these questionnaires show that the majority of the users found the system easy and enjoyable. The system was also analysed by a rehabilitation expert who gave a positive output regarding its usefulness, and positive impact on its use in the upper-limb rehabilitation processes. These results clearly encourage further development of the proposed system.

The most used questionnaires for evaluating the usability of robots and smart wearables: A scoping review

“…The minimum and maximum intervention time for evaluating the usability of wearables was 5 minutes 19 and 2 years, 30 respectively. In addition, the minimum and maximum intervention time for evaluating the usability of robots was 5 minutes 61 and 6 months, 52 respectively.…”

The Use of Head-Mounted Display Systems for Upper Limb Kinematic Analysis in Post-Stroke Patients: A Perspective Review on Benefits, Challenges and Other Solutions

“…To enhance active participation and adherence to the treatment, Rodrigues et al [ 65 ] proposed a prototype of combined augmented reality interface with collaborative arm robot. This integrated method, combining augmented reality with a robotic arm, enables the creation of novel user experiences by harnessing gamification principles.…”

“…In this way, post-stroke subjects were encouraged to make more effort, improving their motor skills. Rodrigues et al [ 65 ] combined cobots with augmented reality.…”

Non-immersive virtual reality based treatment for children with unilateral cerebral palsy: Preliminary results

“…The need to enrich motor rehabilitation with motivating proposals through the use of augmented or virtual reality (VR) has also been widely discussed in the most recent literature [ 14 ]. Motivation appears to be a critical factor in motor learning [ 15 ], and it is considered the only individual characteristic not related to health conditions that may influence motor changes and functional outcomes.…”