A robot therapist to treat muscle strains

Suffering from back pain? A robotic massage therapist developed by a Singapore-based start up may help relieve muscle strains and injuries. Emma, or short for Expert Manipulative Massage Automation, a robotic arm with a 3D-printed massage tip, can resolve some of the challenges faced by sport therapy clinic, such as a shortage of trained therapists and a need deliver high quality therapy consistently.

                Developed by AiTreat, a start-up company founded by Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) graduate Albert Zhang, Emma is undergoing user trials at a medical institution that offers sports injury rehabilitation and pain management.

                Emma has a user-friendly interface and recommended guidelines for various sports injuries. The robot consist of a single, 6-axis robotic arm capable of highly articulated movements, a 3D-stereoscopic camera for vision, and a customized, fully rotatable 3D-printed massage tip. Several safety features which work in tandem with pressure sensors are also in-built, to ensure comfort and the safety of patients.