A team of Northeastern students has developed a robotic ankle rehabilitation device to assist patients recovering from strokes and athletic injuries. The vi-RABT (Virtually-Interfaced Robotic Ankle and Balance Trainer) uses precise motorized movements, controlled by a therapist using a joystick, to help develop ankle strength and mobility as well as to improve balance. The mechanical engineering capstone project was developed by undergraduates Paul Doucot, Ally Bugliari, Alex Mazzotta, Nate Lavins, and Jan P. Valenzuela and Ph.D. candidate Amir Farjadian. The team's faculty advisers were Maureen Holden, associate professor of physical therapy, and Constantinos Mavroidis, Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering.

Video by Brooks Canaday