Robotic Horse Brings Hippotherapy Indoors

Apr-01-16 Researchers at Rice University have developed a robotic horse that could help treat disorders such as autism and arthritis.

Hippotherapy is a type of therapy that takes advantage of the rhythmic, swinging motion of horseback riding to treat an array of both physical and psychological conditions, building core muscles and the ability to balance. However, most people do not have the money or access to an actual horse.

To make the therapy available to more patients, students at Rice University teamed with physical therapist Janis Wells to create a robotic horse able to offer the same motions as a real horse. The horse can be programmed to perform several different gaits, varying the speed and intensity, and can safely support up to 250 pounds. The team now hopes that the next group of students will improve the control system and bring the horse closer to use in the clinical setting.

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[MEDGADGET.COM]
[NEWS.RICE.EDU]

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