KUKA turned one of their robotic arms into a horse riding simulator of sorts. Well, it’s actually called the Hirob, or a rehabilitation robot developed by Intelligent Motion. This company focuses on robotic therapy solutions, and used a KUKA robotic arm to simulate horse movements for hippotherapy.
This is a balance therapy system, not just a robotic arm, made to boost trunk control and stability for patients with neurological conditions. How? It copies a horse’s three-dimensional walking motion using a KUKA robotic arm, set to mimic the rhythmic, multi-directional movements of its gait.
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Hirob’s seat, shaped like a horse’s back, moves to match a horse’s walking rhythm, engaging the rider’s trunk and pelvic muscles. It improves trunk steadiness, boosts static as well as dynamic balance, activates trunk / back muscles more, and encourages specific pelvic motions for improved posture. Unlike a real horse, Hirob provides a secure, controlled space, lowering risks like falls, and lets therapists adjust the movement’s intensity and type for each patient.
What’s hippotherapy? It’s a therapy that uses horse movements to give motor and sensory input, helping patients improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Hirob does this automatically by letting the patient sit on its saddle-like seat while the robotic arm moves below. The patient must react to these motions, which sparks the neuromuscular system in a way much like riding a real horse. This is really useful for those who can’t access real horses due to logistical, cost, or safety barriers.
[Sources 1 | 2]
