Stony Brook Researchers Develop AI and Robotics to Aid ALS Patients and Caregivers

Researchers at Stony Brook University are working on an innovative project to aid ALS patients and their caregivers using artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. The project, supported by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Army, focuses on developing the Caregiving Robot Assistant (CART), which aims to assist patients with physical tasks they can no longer perform due to ALS. Led by Professor I.V. Ramakrishnan, the team brings together experts from computer science, mechanical engineering, nursing, and medicine, including collaboration with the Christopher Pendergast ALS Center of Excellence, which is supported by ALS United Greater New York. CART is designed to learn how to perform traditional caregiving tasks through a few demonstrations, making caregiving less physically demanding.

CART’s AI system allows it to mimic movements, such as holding a spoon or moving a cup, as taught by caregivers. It also can adapt to the changing needs of ALS patients by allowing caregivers to easily reprogram it for new tasks. The robot’s design is intended to relieve the burden on caregivers by performing repetitive physical tasks while learning interactively and improving its competence through feedback.

The research team plans to recruit more ALS patients to test CART as it develops further. To make the technology available to patients with severe locomotor disabilities, CART is expected to evolve into a powerful tool that enhances caregiving. If you are interested in participating or learning more please contact, Clare Whitney at clare.whitney@stonybrook.edu.