Pontin, Marco; Nygren, Minna; Costi, Leone; Wallace, Deirdre; Berthouze, Nadia; Maiolino, Perla; (2025) MONA: A Robotic Patient Simulator for Occupational Therapists Training. In: (Proceedings) Prototypes for Humanity. Prototypes For Humanity: Dubai, UAE. (In press).

Text Prototypes-for-Humanity.pdf - Accepted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 15 May 2026. Download (953kB)

Abstract

Most developed countries are facing the challenge of aging populations and the associated care demands. Robotics and artificial intelligence can provide support healthcare professionals. In this study, we present MONA, a robotic manikin for training Occupational Therapists (OTs) in patient assessment scenarios. The manikin incorporates over 4,000 tactile sensing points to capture pressure distribution and magnitude during interactions. Silicone layers provide skin-like texture, and a motorised knee simulates mobility impairments. Sensor data are processed real-time to trigger adaptive responses, including vocal reactions and leg movements when pain thresholds are exceeded. Trainers can configure patient profiles, monitor sessions through a graphical user interface (GUI) and record data for later analysis. The system was successfully deployed in a preliminary evaluation session with OT professionals, where it provided realistic and varied patient scenarios. Data from these interactions was captured in a questionnaire that will inform the development of hardware features and AI-driven patient models to further enhance training realism and adaptability.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONXMLCSV

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as XMLJSONCSV

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as XMLJSONCSV

Archive Staff Only

View Item