Digitalization and robotics: REHACARE has a finger on the pulse

As a trade fair for rehabilitation and care, REHACARE has been a meeting place for people who work in this specialist field or individuals who themselves have a disability and their relatives for over 40 years. Each come to discover the latest developments and opportunities, for example in the field of aids, training and careers, therapy or travel/leisure. The many exhibitors at their stands are eager to answer any questions that roll their way.

The companies as well as the many speakers in the forums come to the trade fair to present new topics and to discuss important focal points with the visitors. One topic that has been important to many for some time: digitalization and robotics in the field of rehabilitation and care. Whether prosthesis or wheelchairs, eating aid or transfer aid - the use of digital technology opens up completely new possibilities.

Project Director Hannes Niemann also emphasizes how important these topics are for REHACARE: "Digitalization and robotics are among the most important innovation drivers in the industry. They show where the industry is heading and, above all, they improve many aids or even give rise to completely new ones. Showing this at REHACARE and giving visitors a glimpse into the future of the assistive technology industry makes the event extremely exciting." He continues, "digitization and robotics have been featured in the past with various special areas and stages at the show. For example, with special shows on the topic of 3D printing, exoskeletons, or even the CYBATHLON, which combines these developments very nicely under one roof and at the same time also puts the suitability of these developments for everyday use under the microscope. You will be able to experience the CYBATHLON theme again this year at REHACARE, as well as various developments that will be presented at the exhibitors' stands."

Furthermore, through the interaction of all these players in one place, new projects become possible in some cases. REHACARE offers the chance to learn about the latest technologies and trends. Ideas can be exchanged on site and cooperations can be established. This strengthens competitiveness and new technologies can be advanced.

The CYBATHLON competition shows that this does not always have to happen in a sedate atmosphere: researchers, developers and users compete against each other in various disciplines. For example, electric wheelchairs with mouth control are driven through a course, or people with prosthetic arms compete in "cup stacking". The event, which is being implemented by ETH Zurich, will take place in the summer of 2024 at the same venue, but there will be a kick-off competition during REHCARE 2023 that is not to be missed. "At the CYBATHLON, the future will really be presented in a hands-on way," Hannes Niemann reports proudly.

Visitors can also look forward to the diverse program in the two forums TREFFPUNKT REHACARE (English: MEETINGPLACE REHACARE) and PRODUCTS & NEWS @REHACARE. "The topic of digitalization in care will play an important role on the TREFFPUNKT REHACARE stage," says Niemann. "One can be curious about the news our exhibitors will present. In addition, the Invictus Games theme will be exciting, as this event, which is a kind of Paralympic competition for the war-disabled and blue-light organizations, will be held in the immediate vicinity at the Merkur Spiel-Arena parallel to REHACARE in Düsseldorf."

You're sure to see a digital prosthesis or two at the Invictus Games, too. What the future holds beyond that in the area of digitization/robotics is certainly hard to say at this point. But there is certainly no shortage of good ideas. Unfortunately, some of them fail later or can only be implemented at high cost. But one thing is certain: REHACARE will present the latest developments in this area every year.

You can also find out more about digitization and robotics in our article: "Digitization and robotics in the assistive technology industry".