麻豆视频

KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 8, 2026

Watching his grandfather lose mobility after a traumatic accident gave 麻豆视频 student Kai Clifford a firsthand look at how difficult everyday movement can become. Now, the senior mechanical engineering student is using robotics research to explore ways rehabilitation could become more comfortable and effective.

Working with Professor of Mechanical Engineering Ayse Tekes through Kennesaw State鈥檚 , Clifford is developing a sleeve-style robotic rehabilitation arm for stroke patients recovering from upper-limb impairments. The device combines a flexible 3D-printed elbow joint with sensors, a motor, and a real-time control system to guide rehabilitation exercises.

鈥淚鈥檝e been getting into prosthetics and orthotics since freshman year,鈥� Clifford said. 鈥淪eeing how much people can help is what really got me into it.鈥�

For Clifford, the easiest way to explain the technology is to imagine giving the body extra strength.

鈥淚鈥檇 say that it鈥檚 like adding a muscle on top of your muscle,鈥� Clifford said. 鈥淭he device gives the arm additional support to help it move through rehabilitation exercises.鈥�

At the center of Clifford鈥檚 research is a 3D-printed Reconfigurable Compliant Joint (RCJ) near the elbow. Traditional rehabilitation exoskeletons often use rigid joints that must closely align with a patient鈥檚 natural elbow. When they do not line up properly, unwanted forces can cause discomfort.

鈥淭he reconfigurable compliant joint is what makes it different,鈥� Clifford said. 鈥淚f it鈥檚 unaligned with your joint, it鈥檚 going to try to realign with it.鈥�

Because the joint is flexible, it can better accommodate differences in anatomy and natural arm movement. The RCJ can also be redesigned and 3D printed to adjust resistance for each user.

The robotic arm uses wireless motion sensors to track movement while a motorized actuator assists at the elbow. A Raspberry Pi processes sensor information and helps determine how the motor should respond. 3D printing allows Clifford to quickly create and modify prototype components.

鈥�3D printing allows me to very rapidly prototype anything,鈥� Clifford said. 鈥淚 don鈥檛 have to go to a shop and cut anything out.鈥�

Clifford credits Tekes with giving him freedom to work through challenges independently while still providing guidance. Tekes has also been impressed by Clifford鈥檚 growth and dedication throughout the project.

鈥淜ai has shown tremendous initiative and curiosity throughout this research,鈥� Tekes said. 鈥淗e has taken on the challenge of bringing mechanical design, electronics, and control systems together, and it has been rewarding to see him grow as an engineer and researcher.鈥�

Clifford hopes the technology can benefit physical therapists and patients by providing measurable information about a patient鈥檚 movement and progress over time.

鈥淚 really hope that physical therapists will gain objective data collection,鈥� Clifford said. 鈥淚 think incorporating that into the exoskeleton is a goal of mine.鈥�

The next stage will include testing how accurately the robotic arm follows intended elbow movements and how much torque it can provide. Clifford would also like to work with clinicians to make the device more comfortable for patients.

鈥� Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photo provided

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 麻豆视频 offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 51,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university's vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties, and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 8 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.