IIT Jodhpur starts MTech in robotics, mobility systems from 2022-23 academic session

NEW DELHI: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur introduces a MTech programme in robotics and mobility systems. Students from mechanical engineering, automobile engineering, aeronautical engineering, engineering physics, electrical engineering, computer science and engineering, instrumentation and control or any equivalent background are eligible to apply.

The programme is offered by the interdisciplinary research platform (IDPR) robotics and mobility systems. This MTech programme will provide opportunities for students to participate in challenging advance technology areas. It aims to give a platform for ideas in design, development, and testing of the robotics and mobility systems.

Researchers at IIT Jodhpur have designed robotic trainers that can be used in physiotherapy and lower limb rehabilitation. Jayant Kumar Mohanta, along with other co-researchers in the mechanical engineering department have published a paper in the International Journal of Advanced Robotic Systems about the setting up and inner workings of the device.

Currently, existing robotic systems treat patients with lower limb disability by exercising motions in the sagittal plane that divides the body into its left and right parts. According to researchers at IIT Jodhpur, sagittal movement is not sufficient for complete limb movement. movements in transverse (upper and lower body) and coronal (front and back) planes are also essential. The design of the robotic trainer by IIT Jodhpur proposes a robotic manipulator arrangement that can provide required motion to the ankles in all the sagittal, transverse and coronal planes.

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IIT Jodhpur, assistant professor, Mohanta explained: "Complete Rehabilitation is possible if the correct sequence of therapies is executed. Robots will be able to do it without getting tired" The trainer is a wearable device that supports the leg like an exoskeleton. It is provided with a cartesian (3-directional) parallel manipulator to perform the required limb therapeutic motions in the transverse, horizontal, lateral and sagittal and longitudinal plane. The design is simple and has a modular mechanical configuration that is easy to fix and use.

The design was tested using computer-based simulations with motion control schemes by performing clinically suggested therapeutic motions. In the test, the design was capable in executing essential rehabilitation therapeutic movements like abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension.