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The ultimate purpose of technology is to improve human life. In this video, we are honored to showcase the meaningful application of CubeMars in the field of healthcare. A research team from the University of Sherbrooke in Canada has successfully developed an innovative rehabilitation device specifically designed for patients suffering from muscular atrophy.
By integrating CubeMars AK10-9 and AK80-64 robotic joint motors, the device achieves an ideal balance between a “compact form factor” and “high torque output,” providing patients with safe and precise passive and active stretching rehabilitation exercises. This project demonstrates the tremendous potential of robotic engineering in the field of medical rehabilitation.
For rehabilitation stretching of patients with muscular atrophy, traditional physical therapy often relies on manual techniques performed by therapists. This approach is not only labor-intensive but also makes it difficult to quantify and maintain consistent levels of force. Developing an automated rehabilitation robot presents extremely demanding engineering challenges:
Extreme limitations in space and weight: Rehabilitation devices are often designed to be close to the patient’s body (such as wearable devices or bedside equipment). Internal mechanical space is extremely limited, and the device itself must remain lightweight to avoid causing discomfort or pressure on the patient.
The contradiction between high torque and compact size: Stretching atrophied muscles and joints requires continuous and stable force output. Traditional motors often become large and heavy when designed to deliver sufficient torque.
Medical-grade safety and compliance: Patients’ muscles and joints are highly vulnerable, meaning the device must never apply excessive or rigid force. The motor must provide extremely accurate force control and compliance, enabling real-time perception of patient resistance and safe responses.
To overcome these challenges, the University of Sherbrooke research team conducted a rigorous selection process and ultimately chose CubeMars AK10-9 and AK80-64 motors as the core power sources of the rehabilitation device. Their key advantages in medical applications include:
Outstanding Torque Density, Breaking Physical Space Limitations: The AK10-9 and AK80-64 integrate a high-performance brushless motor, precision planetary gearbox, and FOC driver into an extremely compact aluminum alloy housing. This exceptional power density enables researchers to install a powerful actuator inside a very small robotic joint, significantly reducing the overall size and weight of the rehabilitation device while improving patient comfort.
Medical-Grade Precise Force Control and Ultra-Smooth Motion: In rehabilitation stretching, sudden jerks and inconsistent movements must be avoided. CubeMars motors utilize advanced FOC (Field-Oriented Control) algorithms, featuring extremely low cogging torque and high torque control bandwidth.This allows the motor to operate and stop with exceptional smoothness, executing stretching trajectories with millimeter and millinewton-meter-level precision. As a result, patients experience gentle and continuous assistance rather than mechanical pulling or forced movement.
High Integration Simplifies Mechanical Design and Improves Reliability: Traditional rehabilitation devices may require complex assemblies such as “motor + gearbox + encoder + driver.” This not only consumes valuable space but also increases potential failure points.CubeMars integrated robotic joint design enables plug-and-play integration, greatly simplifying mechanical wiring and assembly. This allows research teams to focus more on core rehabilitation algorithms and ergonomic design.
Through this video, you can directly experience the outstanding performance of CubeMars motors in medical rehabilitation equipment:
Device operation demonstration: A close-up view of the rehabilitation robotic arm equipped with AK10-9 and AK80-64 motors, showcasing extremely smooth and quiet stretching movements.
Compact structure showcase: Discover the small-sized joint modules inside the device and see how CubeMars motors deliver powerful torque within limited space.
Research concept sharing: Hear the University of Sherbrooke team explain how they leveraged CubeMars’ motion solutions to transform advanced rehabilitation concepts into reliable engineering applications.
Q1: What special requirements do medical rehabilitation robots have for joint motors?
A: Unlike industrial robotic arms that prioritize “absolute precision and speed,” medical rehabilitation robots place greater emphasis on safety, compliance (impedance control capability), low noise, and compact lightweight design. With high-resolution encoders and optimized control algorithms, CubeMars AK Series motors perfectly support medical-grade compliant force control requirements.
Q2: If a patient suddenly feels pain and resists during stretching, is the motor safe?
A: Yes. CubeMars motors support high-frequency torque feedback and impedance control modes. When the system detects an abnormal increase in external resistance (such as muscle spasms or patient resistance), the control system can respond instantly, allowing the motor to enter a compliant following mode or stop safely. This fundamentally reduces the risk of secondary mechanical injury.
Whether it is muscular atrophy rehabilitation equipment, lower-limb exoskeletons, or upper-limb assistive robotic arms, CubeMars provides high-power-density and high-safety miniature actuator solutions.
[Learn more about CubeMars AK10-9 specifications and dimensions]
