F.E.R.N.

Floral Empathetic Rehabilitation Network (F.E.R.N.) is a multi-stage robotic plant that assists remote stroke rehabilitation patients through their rehabilitation program.

Accessible healthcare saw an urgent and increased demand since the COVID-19 pandemic began. For many, accommodating for their lack of access to healthcare had been a constant effort prior to the pandemic, but worsened as smaller businesses and hospitals shut down. This is particularly prevalent for stroke survivors, who suffer from motor and cognitive disabilities that hinder their ability to successfully reintegrate into society, and thus exhibit a pressing need for consistent rehabilitation.

With only 9.8% of healthcare providers living in remote communities and with the majority of rehabilitation facilities situated in cities, in-person stroke rehabilitation is inaccessible for Indigenous and rural communities for continuing long term care and finishing rehabilitation programs (Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, n.d.)

Problem statement

A system that enhances moods and autonomy of stroke rehabilitation patients by gamifying motor movements and social connectivity through targeting the rehabilitation plan using patients’ health and performance metrics.

Stroke survivors are highly dependent on caregivers, which results in isolation and low self-esteem. In order to provide survivors with autonomy and independence, creating an accessible product that can aid rehabilitation is necessary to benefit all stakeholders.