Research Interests
Biomedical robotics, assistive devices, mechatronic systems design, and advanced automation and robotics.
Abdullah’s research focuses on developing robotic systems for non-industrial applications, with core interests in 1) Therapeutic robots for rehabilitating victims with impaired upper limbs, 2) Assistive robotics devices, and 3) Exoskeleton robotics devices. He also conducted research in the fields of mechatronic systems design and advanced automation technologies.
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=BeAs2cIAAAAJ&hl=en
Current Research Projects
1. Rehabilitation Robotics – The work focuses on the field of building intelligent robotic systems that can provide an opportunity to improve the quality of life for people with limb disabilities or impairments caused by a severe injury or accident. Abdullah’s research has led to the development of an intelligent, user-friendly therapeutic robotic system based on the anthropometry of the stroke population. The research program also investigates the design and development of an innovative functional virtual mirror therapy (VMT) system that improves treatment for upper limb partial paralysis in Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) patients. The VMT uses an immersive virtual rehabilitation environment by inducing neuroplasticity as a safe, acceptable, and comfortable method to provide mirror therapy in the upper extremities.
2. Assistive Robotic Devices
2.1 Assistive devices to support activities of daily living (ADL): This research seeks to empower individuals with upper limb impairments by employing robots to assist with daily tasks such as personal care. This includes face washing, tooth brushing, hair combing, and shaving. We worked on a detailed analysis of the contact forces exerted between humans and the tools a personal care robot manipulated during hair brushing, face wiping, and shaving. A key contribution is the force data for hair brushing, which had not been previously documented
2.2 Assistive feeding robot: Initial work in assistive feeding robots focused on addressing several key challenges existing robotic feeding devices face. While this research made progress, there remain several limitations and gaps that future investigations must address to advance assistive feeding technology further. Limitations include the need for a broader range of automated feeding and food acquisition tools, as current systems are restricted in their ability to handle diverse food types. Additionally, most systems that have been tested, including those in the literature, are designed to function only with specific robotic models. This limits their adaptability and widespread use.
3. Smart (Internet-of-Things) Remote Door Access System for Personal Mobility: This research program aims to develop a “smart” remote door access system to enhance personal mobility. The system enables individuals to control pre-existing accessible doors through a smart device, thus reducing the need for physical contact with the door. This improves overall building accessibility and minimizes the risk of cross-contamination. The app supporting this system is compatible with iOS, Android, and Windows devices. The system is currently being tested in real-world environments, including the doors at the Town of Collingwood’s library and town hall.