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Robot-Mediated Physical Human-Human Interaction in Rehabilitation: A Position Paper

Lookup NU author(s): Alessia NoccaroORCiD, Professor Domenico FormicaORCiD

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Abstract

Neurorehabilitation conventionally relies on the interaction between a patient and a physical therapist. Robotic systems can improve and enrich the physical feedback provided to patients after neurological injury, but they under-utilize the adaptability and clinical expertise of trained therapists. In this position paper, we advocate for a novel approach that integrates the therapist's clinical expertise and nuanced decision-making with the strength, accuracy, and repeatability of robotics: Robot-mediated physical Human-Human Interaction. This framework, which enables two individuals to physically interact through robotic devices, has been studied across diverse research groups and has recently emerged as a promising link between conventional manual therapy and rehabilitation robotics, harmonizing the strengths of both approaches. Although current findings are largely based on pilot studies and conceptual frameworks, integrating therapists' expertise with the functionalities offered by robotic systems represents a promising direction for improving rehabilitation outcomes. This paper presents the rationale of a multidisciplinary team - including engineers, doctors, and physical therapists - for conducting research that utilizes: a unified taxonomy to describe robot-mediated rehabilitation, a framework of interaction based on social psychology, and a technological approach that makes robotic systems seamless facilitators of natural human-human interaction.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Vianello L, Short M, Manczurowsky J, Kucuktabak EB, Tommaso FD, Noccaro A, Bandini L, Clark S, Fiorenza A, Lunardini F, Canton A, Gandolla M, Pedrocchi ALG, Ambrosini E, Murie-Fernandez M, Roman CB, Tornero J, Leon N, Sawers A, Patton J, Formica D, Tagliamonte NL, Rauter G, Baur K, Just F, Hasson CJ, Novak VD, Pons JL

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: IEEE Reviews in Biomedical Engineering

Year: 2025

Pages: Epub ahead of print

Online publication date: 25/11/2025

Acceptance date: 08/11/2025

ISSN (print): 1937-3333

ISSN (electronic): 1941-1189

Publisher: IEEE

URL: https://doi.org/10.1109/RBME.2025.3632161

DOI: 10.1109/RBME.2025.3632161

PubMed id: 41289133

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