Advancing human sensorimotor research through modular robotics: the case of the HRX-1
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Farkhatdinov, Ildar
Brown, Joshua
Yurkewich, Aaron
Burdet, Etienne
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The HRX-1 is a single-degree-of-freedom, direct-drive, modular, and reconfigurable robotic device designed for investigating human sensorimotor control. By examining its use, this case study highlights the opportunities offered by modular, portable, and user-centred open-source design approaches for sensorimotor diagnostics and basic neuromechanics research. The robot’s architecture enables simple and rapid reconfiguration, allowing researchers to explore a wide range of experimental questions. When combined with muscle electromyography, functional electrical stimulation, and electroencephalography, the system enables investigation of how muscles respond to external forces and how the brain coordinates these responses. These multimodal approaches also support the development of novel movement-assistive strategies for neuromotor rehabilitation. Clinical applications include studies of brain activity patterns in children with dystonia, upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke, and therapy for patients with functional neurological disorders.
Date Acceptance
2026-04-09
Citation
Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences
ISSN
0080-4622
Publisher
The Royal Society
Journal / Book Title
Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences
Copyright Statement
Subject to copyright. This paper is embargoed until publication. Once published the author’s accepted manuscript will be made available under a CC-BY License in accordance with Imperial’s Research Publications Open Access policy (www.imperial.ac.uk/oa-policy).
License URL
Publication Status
Accepted