Advancing human sensorimotor research through modular robotics: the case of the HRX-1

The HRX-1 is a single-degree-of-freedom, direct-drive, modular and reconfigurable robotic device designed for investigating human sensorimotor control. By examining its use, this case study highlights the opportunities offered by modular, portable and user-centred open-source design approaches for sensorimotor diagnostics and basic neuromechanics research. The robot's architecture enables simple and rapid reconfiguration, allowing researchers to explore a wide range of experimental questions. When combined with muscle electromyography, functional electrical stimulation and electroencephalography, the system enables investigation of how muscles respond to external forces and how the brain coordinates the responses. These multimodal approaches also support the development of novel movement-assistive strategies for neuromotor rehabilitation. Clinical applications include studies of brain activity patterns in children with dystonia, upper-limb rehabilitation after stroke and therapy for patients with functional neurological disorders. This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Digital healthcare for the management of functional neurological disorders'.