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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOST-supported tech for stroke rehabilitation 'AGAPAY' gets first int'l patent

DOST-supported tech for stroke rehabilitation 'AGAPAY' gets first int'l patent

Published Feb 15, 2023 04:01 pm

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has disclosed that the Filipino invention "AGAPAY" for stroke rehabilitation received its first international patent

(Photo courtesy of DOST-PCHRD)

In a statement on Tuesday, Feb. 14, DOST said that the invention got its first international patent last Jan. 11.

With funding support from the Developed with support from the DOST - Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and implemented by the De La Salle University – Institute of Biomedical Engineering & Health Technologies (DLSU-IBEHT), the AGAPAY project seeks to aid the motor rehabilitation and physical therapy of stroke and injured patients.

The application for the invention was filed last May 2021 with support from the DOST-Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI).

The latest prototype of the device is activated using high-power direct-current (DC) motors attached to an adjustable and lightweight frame and is fused with a real-time biofeedback system that records neuromuscular activity. This design enables the technology to be cost-effective and efficient. The device can also perform active and passive motion exercises through gamification using integrated haptics and a graphical user interface.

Currently, there are no robotic exoskeletons being manufactured locally. The development of this device will provide an alternative and affordable option for Filipino patients, and could set a standard for robotic rehabilitation technologies in the country.

"This patent from Singapore is a step closer to commercializing Filipino-made technologies in the international setting," DOST-PCHRD Executive Director Dr. Jaime Montoya said.

"This development is also a testament to how our own researchers are capable of generating technologies that are responsive to the needs of our communities, and at par with international standards," he added.

The project team is now looking for potential industry partners to manufacture the device. Interested parties may reach out to Dr. Renann Baldovino (Agapay Project Leader) at [email protected] and/or Dr. Nilo Bugtai, Director of DLSU-IBEHT at [email protected]/[email protected].

Related Tags

dost-pchrd Department of Science and Technology DOST Department of Science and Technology (DOST) agapay agapay project
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