Taiwan has launched a new innovation that could reshape recovery for patients with upper limb injuries. The digital rehab system, developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), is already showing powerful results. The system, built in partnership with Rehabotics, makes therapy more engaging and effective through gamification.
The core feature of this digital rehab system is its interactive approach. It uses motion tracking, image recognition, and audio feedback to guide patients. These tools turn repetitive exercises into immersive activities that patients enjoy. As a result, patient participation increases, and recovery speeds up.
Patients using the system complete tasks designed like video games. Additionally,This method makes sessions less tedious and more rewarding. The system also records all movements automatically. That lets medical teams track each patient’s progress in real time with accurate data.
Moreover, Cheng Jen-chieh, ITRI Vice President and General Director of the Service Systems Technology Center, emphasized the urgency of such innovation. Taiwan is moving rapidly toward a super-aged society, and personalized care is more important than ever. He said the digital rehab system meets a rising demand for efficient, accessible rehabilitation.
Clinical trials already show strong results. At Taichung Kuang Tien General Hospital, patients using the system improved significantly. On average, they scored 49% higher in the dexterity-focused Box and Block Test. They also showed a 33% improvement in the Fugl-Meyer Assessment, a common stroke recovery scale.
ITRI confirmed it will expand this digital rehab system to more hospitals and rehabilitation centers across Taiwan. The goal is to benefit more patients and reduce strain on therapists. By merging healthcare with technology, this system represents a shift toward smarter, data-driven recovery for all.
In the future, experts believe such innovations will play a key role in aging societies. Taiwan is setting an example in digital health by turning recovery into an empowering and personalized experience.
