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Rancho Robotics
Rancho is at the forefront of applying robotic technology in research and treatment of
individuals with disabilities. Rancho established the first robotic program for children with
Cerebral Palsy on the West Coast. The hospital is also part of a national study on the impact
of robotic therapy using a shoulder robot developed by the world-renowned Dr. Hermano Igo Kreb,
a principal research scientist in MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering.
"We are partnering with Rancho because of its long tradition of excellence and leadership
in Rehabilitation," Dr. Krebs said.
"Our goal is to expand this state-of-the art robotic therapy program to include everyone from
children with Cerebral Palsy other neuromuscular diseases and disabilities to adults with stroke,"
said Rancho Chief Medical Officer Mindy Aisen, MD. "We believe robotics will be one of the
technologies that helps us achieve much better outcomes for our patients in the 21st Century...and
we’re already seeing results at Rancho."
Rancho’s Chair of Pediatrics, Luis Montes, MD, described working with the robot as being
somewhat similar to playing a video game. "The patient uses their shoulder and arm to move
the robot handle toward a game target shown on the computer monitor directly in front of them.
It can be touching a certain point on a clock, running a maze, or one of several other
therapeutic games. If the patient begins moving in the wrong direction or does not move, the
robot arm gently moves them in the correct direction. Once they are moving in the right direction,
the robot backs off and lets them do the work."
"This robot delivers high-intensity interactive physical therapy," said Dr. Montes.
"We believe our patients will experience improvement in movement, function and overall quality of
life from using the robot."
Page last updated September 1, 2011
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