The goal of this workshop is to create a forum for researchers investigating hybrid robotic-neuromodulation control for rehabilitation and assistive devices to discuss current methodologies and results, as well as future directions and challenges. The specific objectives are: 1) present ongoing work from top  researchers and 2) form a panel discussion with workshop presenters to engage with the audience to help inspire new ideas by maintaining the continuity of discourse in the field.

Hybrid control techniques using robotic and neuromodulation systems are a growing area of research in the biorobotics community, intending to improve rehabilitative outcomes and assist neurologically-impaired individuals. By engaging the neuromuscular system during robotic rehabilitation, the user’s muscles and nervous system actively contribute to the exercise, which encourages improved recovery or maintenance of these biological systems. Additionally, hybrid control can act in an assistive manner by coordinating a person’s body with an exoskeleton or exosuit to improve or restore performance in certain tasks. Making use of an individual’s own muscles can also reduce the demand on the robotic  system, allowing for more lightweight, mobile designs.

While initial results from a number of groups show promise for hybrid control techniques, several limitations remain which prevent the current adoption of such technologies by end users. To ensure continued effective research aimed at reaching the intended populations, this workshop will provide a platform for the presentation of the work from top researchers in the field with a focus on current results, difficulties overcome, and the challenges which remain to be surmounted. The workshop will provide a discussion panel period with direct audience contribution to further foster this informal dialogue. Specific topics of discussion will include: methods to combine control systems, implementation of hybrid control in different hardware systems including exoskeletons and exosuits, muscle activity sensing techniques for  neuromodulation feedback control, differences in control approach for rehabilitation versus assistance, methods for addressing challenges of neuromodulation including fatigue, repeatability, and controllability.