A new rehabilitation robot designed to assist older adults with balance and mobility is being introduced in community settings in Singapore, with the aim of reducing falls and enabling seniors to participate more confidently in physical activity. Known as the Data-driven Robotic Balance Assistant, or DRBA, the system provides physical support during movement while allowing users to retain control over their actions.
The robot is built to assist with activities such as standing, walking, and balance training. Using sensors and real-time data analysis, it monitors a user’s posture and movement and can intervene when instability is detected. If a potential fall occurs, the system provides immediate mechanical support to stabilise the user, reducing the risk of injury. The design allows seniors to exercise and move independently while having a safeguard in place.
DRBA also collects movement data during use, which can be analysed to tailor rehabilitation and exercise programmes to individual needs. This data-driven approach is intended to support gradual improvements in balance and strength, particularly for seniors who may otherwise avoid physical activity due to fear of falling. Trials conducted in community environments have included group exercise sessions such as dance-based fitness activities, where the robot was used alongside instructors and caregivers.
The technology was developed by researchers from Nanyang Technological University, with clinical collaboration involving Tan Tock Seng Hospital through the Rehabilitation Research Institute of Singapore, a joint institute with the Agency for Science, Technology and Research and NHG Health. The work focuses on extending rehabilitation support beyond hospital settings and into neighbourhood-based facilities.
Following development and testing, community trials were carried out at active ageing centres operated by Lions Befrienders. These trials explored how the robot could be integrated into regular programmes for seniors, particularly those with mobility concerns, while maintaining a social and non-clinical environment.
The broader initiative involves collaboration among multiple sectors. In addition to NTU and Lions Befrienders, the project includes the Smart Urban Co-Innovation Lab, which supports the translation of research into scalable applications, and Lumens, which facilitated the transport and deployment of the robotic units to community sites.
Commercialisation of the DRBA technology is being pursued through Ability Robotics, a spin-off company co-founded by the inventor and a former researcher. The company plans to scale deployment in Singapore and explore other ageing markets in the region. Development is also underway on a related system, the Mobile Robotic Balance Assistant, which is expected to be introduced in the coming years.
Falls remain a major cause of injury-related hospitalisation among older adults in Singapore. By combining robotic assistance with personalised data analysis in community settings, the DRBA system is intended to address this challenge by supporting mobility, encouraging continued physical activity, and reducing reliance on constant human supervision.
Photo: NTU Singapore
