Combined Human and Rehabilitative Machine System (CHARMS)

From smart phones to cars, the relationship between humans and technology is becoming increasingly integrated. The interactions have become symbiotic, in which the device adapts to the user, while the user also adapts to the device, in order to maximize performance. For many, the device seems a natural extension of themselves. Unfortunately, this level of utility and acceptance has not been achieved with rehabilitation technology, much of which sits underutilized or even abandoned. Recent advances in computing, sensor technology, and actuators, however, hold promise for the development of smart rehabilitative devices that are able to respond to the needs of the user even as the user learns to optimally manipulate the device. We are poised on the cusp of creating truly integrated human-machine systems to improve human movement, but the complexity of this combined system presents many challenges. A new core of investigators, with knowledge to communicate across the fields of mechanics, control and learning, and user perception, is needed to advance efforts in rehabilitation. The goal of this Advanced Rehabilitation Research Training program is thus to develop postdoctoral fellows positioned to lead the creation of human-machine systems for rehabilitation. Exploiting the considerable resources available across the North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campuses, we will mentor each fellow in the three critical thrust areas of mechanics, control, and perception in the context of human-device interaction. Fellows will receive individualized mentoring, tailored to the fellow at each step of the process. Progress will be carefully monitored in order to maximize the training experience. In this manner, we will nurture the future leaders in rehabilitation.