Julius Noel Banayo

Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive technique for neurological research and therapy, but its effectiveness depends on accurate and stable coil placement. Manual localization based on anatomical landmarks is time-consuming and operator-dependent, while state-of-the-art robotic and neuronavigation systems achieve high accuracy using optical tracking with head-mounted markers and infrared cameras, at the cost of increased system complexity and setup burden. This study presents a cost-effective, markerless robotic-assisted TMS system that combines a 3D depth camera and textile capacitive sensors to assist coil localization and contact control. Facial landmarks detected by the depth camera are used to estimate the motor cortex (C3) location without external tracking markers, while a dual textile-sensor suspension provides compliant “soft-landing” behavior, contact confirmation, and coil-tilt estimation. Experimental evaluation with five participants showed reliable C3 targeting with valid motor evoked potentials (MEPs) obtained in most trials after initial calibration, and tilt-verification experiments revealed that peak MEP amplitudes occurred near balanced sensor readings in 12 of 15 trials (80%). The system employs a collaborative robot designed in accordance with international human–robot interaction safety standards, including force-limited actuation and monitored stopping. These results suggest that the proposed approach can improve the accessibility, safety, and consistency of TMS procedures while avoiding the complexity of conventional optical tracking systems.

In the Philippines, stroke is one of the leading diseases affecting around 3,000,000 Filipinos each year. The main mode of treatment to aid patients fully recover is the conduct of physical rehabilitation soon after the stroke event. However, physical rehabilitation services are overwhelmed from the lack of manpower. With the increasing prevalence of robot devices to assist physical therapy, utilization of such technology may be beneficial to augment rehabilitation services, especially for those recovering from stroke. This paper presents the results of a safety trial conducted on healthy participants investigating the safety of a locally developed lower limb mobilization (LLMo) device. All of the passive range of motion exercises were tested over a single session for each participant while their vitals were measured and feedback on the comfort, safety perception were collected. All participants maintained stable vitals throughout the trial and adverse and severe adverse events were reported indicating the overall safety of the LLMo device. The trial was retrospectively registered on ISRCTN on January 23, 2025 (ISRCTN12604075) and ethics were approved by the Asian Hospital and Medical Center Research Ethics Committee on March 3, 2023. Registry: isrctn.com, TRN: ISRCTN12604075, Registration date: 23 January 2025.

Background: Rehabilitation robots are emerging technologies that address common challenges in conventional rehabilitation methods, such as labor-intensive, costly, and often yielding slow or suboptimal recovery outcomes. These robots have been gaining popularity in the Philippines due to their cost-effectiveness and improved therapeutic efficiency. The country has gradually begun adapting technology, with rehabilitation robots introduced as assistive devices for clinical practice such as electromyogram (EMG)-assisted devices, Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES), Robotic Exoskeleton Hand, and Robot Exoskeleton for the Upper Limb. However, there is limited to no existing literature exploring robotic rehabilitation device advancements in the Philippines. Methods: Thus, this review examined the prototypes developed and the progress made in developing rehabilitation devices from 2010 to the present in the country. Results: Findings indicate that the Philippines is becoming more receptive to rehabilitation robotics, as evidenced by increasing recognition of its relevance and the procurement of foreign-developed technologies. Nevertheless, its progress is limited by investment, insufficient academic programs, and the absence of regulatory frameworks. Conclusion: Increased government support for research, infrastructure, and protocols alongside university integration of relevant courses and interdisciplinary research are needed to foster its advancement.