What if a robot could give you a Chinese medicine massage? Learn how this system could change pain relief and therapy in healthcare.
Researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology have developed a robotic system capable of giving a massage using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) techniques. The robot could be used in healthcare, wellness, and rehabilitation facilities as a therapeutic tool for patients dealing with pain or discomfort.
The robotic system developed by the researchers includes two robotic arms, each equipped with a multi-functional massage hand at its end. This mechanical hand is designed to resemble a human hand in shape and size.
The hand operates in four modes, each aimed at mimicking TCM massage techniques based on ancient principles like zang-fu organs and meridians. The four modes include a palm-punch, vibration, kneading, and finger technique, each powered by a specific function module.
The palm-punch function involves massaging palm massages by spreading the fingers on a user’s back and fist massaging by clenching the fingers into a fist. The vibration function uses a motor to generate high-frequency vibrations similar to those in vibration-based massages.
The kneading function uses a motor that enables the thumb to pinch a user’s skin while the other four fingers work together, creating a kneading massage. The finger technique function allows the robot to perform additional finger-based massages.
The researchers initially gathered demonstration data from expert TCM massage therapists using a motion capture system called Optitrack and a massage strength measuring device called ZTC-II. This data was then used to train machine learning algorithms that directed and planned the actions of the robotic massage system.
The researchers tested a prototype of their system through a real-world experiment to assess its ability to replicate various TCM massage techniques. The robot successfully and effectively performed four techniques: beat, press, push, and vibrate.
The robot could be further improved and tested in therapeutic settings to evaluate its performance and how human users respond. Additionally, this study may inspire other research teams to develop automated massage systems, potentially replicating other massage styles for relaxation or rehabilitation.
Reference: Yuan Xu et al, Digital Modeling of Massage Techniques and Reproduction by Robotic Arms, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2412.05940
