Adaptive robotic assistance to improve stroke rehabilitation

SmartAssist™: Adaptive robotic assistance to maximize patient engagement with the Barrett Upper-Extremity Robotic Trainer (Burt)

NIH-funded research Barrett Technology, LLC · NIH-10861062

This study is testing a new robotic system called SmartAssist™ that helps people recovering from a stroke by making therapy more engaging and personalized, so you can move your arm more easily and see your progress along the way.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBarrett Technology, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newton, United States)
Project IDNIH-10861062 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing stroke rehabilitation through the development of SmartAssist™, an adaptive robotic system that works with the Barrett Upper-Extremity Robotic Trainer (Burt). The system aims to maximize patient engagement by encouraging voluntary movement while providing tailored robotic assistance. By utilizing a user-centered approach, the project will refine the technology based on user feedback and incorporate advanced data visualization to track patient progress. A preliminary clinical study will evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative approach in real-world rehabilitation settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals recovering from a stroke who require assistance with upper extremity rehabilitation.

Not a fit: Patients who are not recovering from a stroke or those with severe cognitive impairments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve rehabilitation outcomes for stroke patients by enhancing their engagement and promoting more effective therapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using robotic assistance for rehabilitation, indicating that this approach could lead to meaningful advancements in patient care.

Where this research is happening

Newton, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.