In rehabilitation robotics, which tasks can robots perform?

• A. Detecting objects
• B. Trajectory planning for wheelchairs and robotic arms
• C. Monitoring vital signs
• D. Detecting objects and trajectory planning for wheelchairs and robotic arms

Answer: (D)

In rehabilitation robotics, a robot’s usefulness comes from combining perception with motion planning to safely interact with people and environments. Detecting objects is a perception capability that lets the robot sense its surroundings, identify obstacles, targets, or tools, and respond appropriately. Trajectory planning for wheelchairs and robotic arms is a planning capability that computes a safe, smooth path from start to goal while honoring constraints like joint limits, speed, and obstacles. A robot that can both sense its environment and plan movements can assist with therapy, support daily activities, and adapt to a patient’s needs. Monitoring vital signs, while important in medical care, is more about patient monitoring than the robot’s core interactive tasks. Therefore, combining detection of objects with trajectory planning covers the full range of tasks rehabilitation robots can perform.