Dhaka:The Robotic Rehabilitation Centre at Bangladesh Medical University (BMU) is pioneering advanced rehabilitation services for patients who have lost limb functionality due to strokes, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, or road accidents.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the centre employs cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) to aid patients in limb movement, walking, and restoring the functionality of various body parts. This initiative aims to provide enhanced rehabilitation care for individuals with long-term neurological conditions and physical disabilities.
Established with 62 pieces of modern equipment donated by the Chinese government, the centre marks a significant advancement in technology-driven rehabilitation services in Bangladesh. Initially, patient turnout was low, but the centre now receives 40-50 visitors daily for physiotherapy, highlighting a growing demand for its services.
The Chinese government contributed 62 robotic units, including 22 AI-powered devices, as part of medical assistance following the July mass uprising. These units enable precise, patient-specific therapy, and China has also provided training to 24 healthcare professionals. The centre, inaugurated on August 31, 2025, operates under the university's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, led by Professor Dr. MA Shakur.
Dr. Shakur highlighted the rarity of such advanced centres in South Asia, noting the opportunities for accurate physiotherapy and rehabilitation care. The centre has provided free services to 37 individuals injured during the uprising and has treated 450 patients to date, conducting 11,000 treatment sessions. However, a shortage of personnel has limited its capacity to serve more patients.
The centre's robotic systems handle physical manipulations, with tasks pre-determined by medical professionals and executed by the robots. AI-powered robots can detect errors and issue alerts, enhancing the precision of therapy. Patients engage with therapeutic exercises through a video game interface, allowing them to track their progress.
Patients like Rabiul Islam Sohel, who sustained an ankle injury, have benefited from the centre's services. He described the process as straightforward, requiring only a Taka 30 ticket purchase, with no additional consultation fees. The robotic therapy aims to improve muscle control, limb mobility, and daily activity performance, dependent on individual conditions and severity.