How Rehabilitation Robots Are Transforming Pediatric Therapy

By Fiona Xu

What Are Rehabilitation Robots?

Rehabilitation robots are assistive devices that help individuals regain physical function through repetitive, guided, and often interactive movements. Unlike general-purpose robots, these devices are built with specific therapeutic goals in mind—like improving gait, strengthening arm movement, or relearning basic motor skills. In pediatric settings, these robots can serve as both physical trainers and motivational companions, encouraging children to participate more actively in their therapy.

The Challenge of Designing for Kids

Most rehab robots on the market today are designed for adults. But when it comes to children, simply shrinking the size isn’t enough. Kids need devices that are lightweight, safe, and fun. In a 2021 review of over 200 robotic systems, only 58 were designed specifically for pediatric rehabilitation [1]. And among those, many struggled to balance effective mechanics with child-friendly design.

Imagine asking a 6-year-old to wear a machine that looks like a mini forklift. That’s why design priorities often include soft materials, colorful exteriors, and even gamified interfaces.

Walking With Robots: Exoskeletons in Action

One of the most promising uses of rehab robotics is gait training. For children with cerebral palsy, wearable exoskeletons can assist walking by providing powered movement at the hips, knees, or ankles. A study by Cumplido et al. (2022) found that these robotic devices helped improve walking speed and posture while also reducing the energy cost of movement [2].

Some of these devices, like the NIH pediatric exoskeleton, even offer adjustable levels of assistance, which can be tuned to a child’s needs as they progress through therapy [3].

One especially moving example comes from Spain, where a 12-year-old named Jorge used a robotic exoskeleton to walk and play with his friends for the first time. His experience was widely shared in the media—not only because of the emotional impact but also because it highlighted accessibility issues. The device worked, but it cost over €30,000 a year—well out of reach for most families [4].

Helping Hands: Upper-Limb Robotic Devices

It’s not just about walking. Rehabilitation robots also support upper-limb training—from lifting the shoulder to fine finger movement. Research shows that robotic arm therapy helps children with cerebral palsy regain movement and coordination, especially when paired with conventional therapy [5].

Some systems now combine robotics with VR interfaces or motion games. Kids might control a virtual painting brush or race a car using small hand gestures. These immersive setups don’t just improve motion—they help rewire how the brain communicates with the muscles [6].

Soft, Smart, and Social: The Future of Pediatric Robotics

New technologies are making these devices more adaptable than ever:

Soft exoskeletons are being tested for young users, offering flexible, fabric-based support that adapts to each child’s movement [7].

AI-powered adjustments can tailor resistance and speed in real time based on how the child is performing [8].

Social robots, like NAO, are being introduced into therapy to offer encouragement, lead exercises, and even celebrate small wins—making rehab feel more like playtime than a medical task [9].

Design Lessons That Keep Coming Up

Designing rehabilitation robots for children means thinking beyond function. It’s about building trust and creating delight. Here are a few patterns that keep coming up in successful systems:

• Make it wearable and lightweight—kids won't tolerate bulky gear.

• Gamify the interaction—add sounds, goals, and characters.

• Offer clear feedback—lights, visuals, or simple rewards for effort.

• Involve caregivers and therapists in setting difficulty or tracking progress.

• Most of all, listen to kids. Their feedback is usually the most honest—and most useful.

References

[1] González, A., Garcia, L., Kilby, J., & McNair, P. (2021). Robotic devices for paediatric rehabilitation: a review of design features. Biomed Eng Online.https://biomedical-engineering-online.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12938-021-00920-5

[2]Cumplido, C., Delgado, E., et al. (2021). Gait‑assisted exoskeletons for children with cerebral palsy or spinal muscular atrophy: a systematic review. NeuroRehabilitation. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3233/NRE-210135

[3] National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. (2022, August 16). A robotic exoskeleton helps kids learn to walk better outside the clinical setting. NIH Intramural Research Program. https://irp.nih.gov/accomplishments/a-robotic-exoskeleton-helps-kids-learn-to-walk-better-outside-the-clinical

[4] Delgado, E., Cumplido, C. et al. (2021). ATLAS2030 pediatric exoskeleton: changes on range of motion, strength and spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. Frontiers in Pediatrics, 9, 753226. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2021.753226/full

[5] Smart materials soft exoskeleton (2022). Soft Wearable Rehabilitation Robots with Artificial Muscles. Advanced Intelligent Systems. https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/aisy.202200159

[6]IEEE Conf. (2021). Pediatric robotic hand exoskeleton PEXO: task-oriented rehabilitation. IEEE Int. Conf. Rehab Robotics. https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8779489

[7] "It’s a dream" exoskeleton news (2022). The Guardian.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/8779489

[8]Tsur, E., & Elkana, O. (2024). Intelligent Robotics in Pediatric Cooperative Neurorehabilitation: A Review. Robotics, 13(3), 49..https://www.mdpi.com/2218-6581/13/3/49

[9] Martí, F., et al. (2017). Adapting a general-purpose social robot for paediatric rehabilitation through in-situ design. In Companion Proceedings of the 2017 ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (pp. 91–92). ACM. https://doi.org/10.1145/3029798.3038403