Fuzzy controller for the treadmill speed adaptation system in mechatronic device for gait reeducation

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Gembalczyk, Grzegorz^{; *} | Duda, Slawomir | Switonski, Eugeniusz | Mezyk, Arkadiusz

Affiliations: Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Grzegorz Gembalczyk, Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, Silesian University of Technology, 2A Akademicka Street, 44-100 Gliwice, Poland. E-mail: Grzegorz.Gembalczyk@polsl.pl.

Abstract: Training with use of mechatronic devices is an innovative rehabilitation method for patients with various locomotor dysfunction. High efficiency of training is noted in systems that combine a treadmill or orthosis with a body weight support system. Speed control is a limitation of such rehabilitation systems. In commercially available devices, the treadmill speed is constant or set by the therapist. Even better training results should be obtained for devices in which the speed of the treadmill will be automatically adjusted to the patient walking pace. This study presents a mechatronic device for locomotor training that uses an algorithm to adjust the speed of the treadmill. This speed is controlled with use of a sensor that measures the rope inclination. The end of rope is fastened to the orthopaedic harness. Speed control is realized in such a way that ensures the smallest possible swing angle of the rope. A fuzzy controller was applied to adjust the treadmill speed. The drive system of the treadmill is equipped in a servodrive with PMSM motor and energy recovery module, which allows smooth speed control, limiting acceleration and minimizing electricity consumption. The presented solution was implemented in a real object and subjected to experimental tests.

Keywords: Fuzzy controller, rehabilitation treadmill, speed adaptation, gait reeducation

DOI: 10.3233/JIFS-201111

Journal: Journal of Intelligent & Fuzzy Systems, vol. 39, no. 5, pp. 7757-7767, 2020