Scientific specialists and patients join efforts to create modern rehabilitation technology accessible to everyone in the country
Sofia, 07.03.2024 Max Planck Hall, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.
At 13:00 today a Memorandum for Scientific, Technological and Innovation Cooperation was signed between the Institute of Robotics at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IR) and the Association for Stroke and Aphasia (ASA). The two organizations launched their cooperation aimed at solving one of the biggest problems for stroke survivors in the country – access to modern rehabilitation.
"Within a number of projects, IR carries out research in the field of robotic devices and technologies for the rehabilitation of patients affected by stroke or trauma, as well as overcoming the consequences associated with communication and psychological difficulties. In all future research, development and projects related to robotic rehabilitation devices and technologies, the cooperation of IR with the Patient Organization will benefit both parties." – said the Director of the Institute, prof. Dr. August Ivanov.
"Signing this memorandum today is a formal, but not merely declaratory act. We had the opportunity to convince ourselves of the quality and the high level of development of the technological solutions and achievements of the Institute. We are convinced that together we will be able to reach the goal – Bulgarian rehabilitation robots, available to all patients in the country," said Eng. Dorina Dobreva, Chairman of ASA.
Prof. Dr. Tanyo Tanev, Department of Robotic and Mechatronic Intelligent Systems and his team presented prototypes of their R&D and progress in developing devices for rehabilitation of fine motor skills. Prof. Dr. Anna Lekova, manager of Section "Interactive Robotics and Control Systems" demonstrated social-assisting and communication assisting robots. Dr. Andreeva presented the possibilities for application of robots in speech therapy and the augmented and alternative communication system Cboard.
"We are convinced that our goal is achievable – shared Dr. Georgiev, Deputy Chairman of ASA – We are impressed not only by the high quality of the achieved results and prototypes, but also by their target cost. Even if this estimate of costs is exceeded in time, with the support of the state, a price can be achieved that can be affordable for practically all Bulgarians. This is a very important aspect for us as a patient organization. In addition, we believe that Bulgarian business and our economy have a lot to gain from such cooperation, developing new technology, production, providing jobs."
The two sides agreed that although the partnership of the scientific community with patient organizations in Bulgaria is not common, the goal to improve the quality of life of stroke patients deserves the efforts of the whole society. In terms of statistics this means annually new 40,000 Bulgarians suffering a stroke and over half a million of our compatriots living life after a stroke with all possible deficits, consequences and negative sides of stroke.