Austrian company intelligent motion has developed a new robotic device that replicates the movements of a horse, offering a high-tech alternative to traditional hippotherapy for patients undergoing neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation.
The innovation, known as hirob, uses a KR QUANTEC industrial robot arm from German manufacturer KUKA to mimic the complex movement patterns of a horse’s back.
Patients sit on an ergonomic saddle-like seat and engage with the robot’s motion, which can be precisely adjusted in speed, intensity, and direction to suit individual therapeutic needs.
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Hippotherapy is a recognised form of physiotherapy that uses horse riding to stimulate physical and neurological recovery.
It has been shown to improve balance, muscle control, posture, and mobility, particularly for people recovering from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, or living with conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
However, access to this therapy is often limited by the need for trained animals and suitable facilities.
The hirob system aims to overcome these barriers by delivering the same therapeutic benefits in a clinical setting. By simulating the dynamic, three-dimensional movement of a walking horse, the device activates the muscles of the pelvis and torso, helping to stabilise the core and improve motor control.
The rhythmic motion also encourages neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise itself and form new neural connections, which plays a key role in the recovery of lost functions.
The technology has been designed specifically for hospitals, rehabilitation centres, and physiotherapy practices.
Unlike traditional hippotherapy, which requires gradual introduction to live horses and can be weather-dependent, hirob offers a standardised, evidence-based therapy that can be delivered consistently indoors, regardless of external conditions.
Robotic hippotherapy is particularly beneficial for patients with limited mobility who may not be able to participate in conventional riding-based therapy. It also offers clinicians greater control over treatment parameters, allowing for more targeted and measurable outcomes.
As demand grows for effective rehabilitation solutions in healthcare, hirob represents a significant step forward, combining proven therapeutic principles with robotics to expand access to care and improve patient outcomes.
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