Rehabilitation Robotics: Opportunities and Challenges

The UTAR community had the opportunity to gain valuable insights into the field of rehabilitation robotics through an enlightening talk titled Rehabilitation Robotics: Opportunities and Challenges on 14 March 2025. The session, organised by the Centre for Foundation Studies of Sungai Long Campus (CFS SL) Seminar Committee, was conducted online via Microsoft Teams and attracted a diverse audience of UTAR students and faculty members interested in robotics, artificial intelligence, and healthcare technology.

The distinguished speaker, Dr Sajjad Taghvaei, an academic from the School of Mechanical Engineering at Shiraz University, Iran, shared his expertise on the subject. Dr Taghvaei, who holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Tohoku University, Japan, specialises in medical robotics, dynamic modelling, and human movement control. He is also the founder and CEO of Avidmech, a start-up focused on robotics and artificial intelligence.

During the session, Dr Taghvaei covered key concepts in rehabilitation robotics, highlighting its potential to revolutionise physical therapy and patient recovery. He also addressed the limitations of traditional manual physical therapy and how robotic-assisted rehabilitation can enhance treatment outcomes. He stated, “Rehabilitation robotics is not meant to replace therapists, but to assist them in providing more efficient and consistent therapy to patients.”

One of the key discussions revolved around the advantages of robotic rehabilitation, including its ability to provide “precise, repeatable movements that aid in neuroplasticity and muscle retraining”. Dr Taghvaei explained how AI integration allows real-time adaptation to a patient's progress, improving recovery rates.

The discussion further delved into the challenges faced in this field, including technological constraints, cost implications, and the need for further research to improve efficiency and accessibility. Addressing a common concern, Dr Taghvaei acknowledged, “One of the biggest hurdles is affordability. Many rehabilitation robots remain expensive, making them inaccessible to smaller clinics and developing countries.”

The talk sparked engaging discussions among participants, with attendees expressing keen interest in the future of rehabilitation robotics and its integration into mainstream healthcare. Dr Taghvaei’s insights provided valuable perspectives on the interdisciplinary nature of the field, encouraging students and researchers to explore opportunities in robotics and AI-driven rehabilitation solutions.