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Women’s and Children’s Hospital
Ngangkiku Ngartuku Kukuwardli
Acknowledgement
The Women's and Children's Hospital is located on the traditional lands for the Kaurna people, and we respect their spiritual relationship with their Country. We also acknowledge that the Kaurna people are the custodians of the Adelaide region, and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people today.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of people who have passed away.

Centre for Robotics and Innovation

Lokomat

Robotic technology is being used to improve function for children with movement impairment thanks to the Centre for Robotics and Innovation.

Robotic technology is being used to improve function for children with movement difficulties, neurological disorders or injury thanks to a purpose-built gym at the Women's and Children's Hospital (WCH).

Known as the Little Heroes Foundation Centre for Robotics and Innovation, the facility houses equipment that provides tailored therapies to aid in walking, arm movement and coordination.

Rehabilitation principles state that targeted, specific and high repetition therapy for children with neurological dysfunction leads to greater benefit. Robotic technology provides this. Real-time feedback is provided on screen through interactive games, helping with motivation and learning.

The robotic equipment is also useful for developing cardiovascular fitness, strength and endurance for those children who find it difficult to do physical exercise due to their disability.

This technology helps children with a range of conditions, including those diagnosed with brain injury, cerebral palsy, oncology related impairment, spinal conditions, neuromuscular disorders and neurodevelopmental conditions.

There are two ways to access robotic-assisted therapy:

  1. Young people who are currently admitted inpatients or day patients of the Paediatric Rehabilitation Program can access robotic therapy as part of their overall rehabilitation program.
  2. Young people who are participants of the NDIS can utilise their NDIS funding to access Robotic therapy to help achieve their NDIS goals.

Two robotic-assisted therapy machines are available – a Lokomat designed to improve walking pattern and function, lower limb strength and coordination – and an Armeo, which assists with developing arm (upper limb) muscle strength, power, coordination and range of movement.

Both pieces of equipment are very precise in the way they facilitate movement of a child’s limbs and provide efficient and effective therapy.