IoT for Therapy and Rehabilitation

The EPIC Lab’s research on IoT for healthcare focuses on creating intelligent, low‑cost, and highly engaging rehabilitation and therapeutic systems that improve quality of life for individuals with motor impairments. This work brings together embedded sensing, augmented and virtual reality, computer vision, and human‑centered design to develop interactive rehabilitation platforms that motivate patients through immersive, game‑based experiences. A central outcome of this effort is the GATOR framework, which has evolved from simple webcam‑based exercises into a sophisticated suite of AR/VR‑enabled rehabilitation tools leveraging Kinect sensors, Leap Motion controllers, and 2D/3D gameplay to support precise upper‑limb movement tracking. By enabling in‑home therapy that is both accessible and enjoyable, this research reduces barriers to long‑term rehabilitation adherence while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and clinical practitioners. Collectively, these innovations demonstrate how IoT‑driven, sensor‑rich, and patient‑centric systems can transform rehabilitation into a more effective, personalized, and sustainable healthcare experience.