Robotic Assistance for Head and Neck Rehabilitation: A University of Tulsa Innovation

A doctoral student at the University of Tulsa (TU) is developing a robotic device to aid in head and neck rehabilitation, offering a consistent, safe, and measurable approach to physical therapy. Bradford Kerst, a mechanical engineering student, is leveraging his research and a National Science Foundation (NSF) I-Corps grant to bring this technology to market through his company, Auximotus.

Addressing a Critical Need in Rehabilitation

Head and neck rehabilitation is crucial for patients with a range of conditions, including those undergoing pediatric and neurological rehabilitation. Traditional therapy can be challenging for both patients and families, often involving manual support and subjective assessment. Kerst’s robotic device aims to address these challenges by providing consistent and quantifiable support during therapy sessions.

“Head and neck rehab can be sensitive and scary for the patient and their families,” Kerst explained. “That’s exactly why we built a robot for it. It’s consistent, safe and measurable.”

From Inspiration to Innovation

Kerst’s interest in rehabilitation robotics stems from his childhood experiences observing individuals with varying physical abilities. This early exposure sparked a desire to find ways to support independence and improve quality of life. During his undergraduate studies at TU, he began working with Professor Joshua Schultz on research focused on head and neck biomechanics, which ultimately led to his master’s degree focusing on neck muscle activity during head movements.

This foundational work now forms the basis of his doctoral dissertation and the core technology behind Auximotus.

How the Technology Works

The device is designed to assist physical and occupational therapists by providing a “third arm” to guide head movements during therapy. It offers several key benefits:

• Consistency: Robots don’t fatigue, ensuring the same level of support and motion throughout a session.
• Measurability: The device provides accurate metrics of patient strength and fatigue, allowing therapists to track progress and adjust treatment plans.
• Intensity and Repetition: Automating the physical effort allows for more consistent and targeted repetition, a critical factor in rehabilitation.

Rigorous Testing and Safety Measures

Before clinical trials, Auximotus has undergone extensive safety and benchtop testing, including a comprehensive analysis of potential failure points. The team has also consulted with physical and occupational therapists to identify and mitigate risks.

“If your laptop crashes, it’s annoying but not detrimental most of the time,” said Kerst. “If a software bug happens when someone’s head is in the device, that has real and severe consequences.”

Next Steps: First-in-Human Testing and Beyond

Kerst recently presented the mechanical implementation of the Adaptive Robotic Head Support at RehabWeek, a global gathering of rehabilitation specialists. The next step for Auximotus is first-in-human testing. Kerst also represented The University of Tulsa at the ICORR Consortium.

The technology has the potential to assist patients with a variety of conditions, including cerebral palsy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), and post-stroke neuromotor deficits. Kerst and his team are actively seeking feedback from therapists, clinics, and hospitals to refine the device and meet the evolving needs of the rehabilitation community.

“Seeing a child sit upright, look around and engage with their friends, even for 30 minutes, makes the hard days worth it,” Kerst said. “A lot of kids spend most of the day reclined just staring at the ceiling. If we can change that, that’s a good day.”