Agapay Robotic Exoskeleton

Robot Exoskeleton for Motor Rehabilitation

Overview

The Agapay Exoskeleton is a 3D-printed wearable robot designed to support the full range of upper-limb movements. It aims to provide post-stroke and injured patients with a cost-efficient, high-performance rehabilitation system, offering a safe, comfortable, and user-friendly therapy experience. The device integrates a real-time biofeedback system using surface electromyography (sEMG) to record neuromuscular activity and supports active and passive motion exercises through gamified interactions, haptic feedback, and an intuitive graphical user interface.

Contribution

Agapay was the focus of my Master of Science (MSc) thesis, and for the project’s first phase (prototype development), I served as Lead Researcher and Project Manager. I led the successful delivery of the project’s first functional prototype within 18 months from kick-off, securing further funding and earning recognition for Agapay as an exemplar of medical robotics research. This was achieved through early and continuous engagement with project stakeholders and end-users, ensuring that the system was grounded in real clinical needs.

Publications and Patents

• Biomimetics in the design of a robotic exoskeleton for upper limb therapy
  AIP Conference Proceedings 1933(1), 040006 (2018)
  Baniqued, P.D.E.; Dungao, J.R.; Manguerra, M.V.; Baldovino, R.G.; Abad, A.C.; Bugtai, N.T.
• Device for upper limb rehabilitation
  US Patent App. 17/293,820 (2024)
  Bugtai, N.T.; Dungao, J.R.; Baldovino, R.G.; Abad, A.C.; Baniqued, P.D.E.; Ong, A.P.R.; Manguerra, M.V.; Dupo, V.B.; Paredes, W.M.; Perez, M.A.Z.; et al.
• Active motor control for an upper extremity exoskeleton
  Advanced Science Letters 24(11), 8837-8840 (2018)
  Manguerra, M.V.; Baniqued, P.D.E.; Abad, A.C.; Baldovino, R.G.; Dungao, J.R.; Bugtai, N.T.
• Biomimetic design of an upper limb robotic exoskeleton for stroke and injury rehabilitation
  MSc Thesis, De La Salle University (2016)
  Baniqued, P.D.E.
• Design considerations in manufacturing cost-effective robotic exoskeletons for upper extremity rehabilitation
  HNICEM 2015, 1-5 (2015)
  Baniqued, P.D.E.; Baldovino, R.G.; Bugtai, N.T.
• Assessment of user needs in the design of a wearable robot for neurorehabilitation
  Proc. DLSU Research Congress 5, 1-7 (2017)
  Baniqued, P.D.E.; Bugtai, N.T.