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Message KineAssist Research Physical therapists must use their own bodies to lift, move, and provide “safety nets” for patients who can be three times larger than they are. This physically and mentally demanding work often limits the intensity and duration of physical therapy sessions and prevents therapists from challenging patients as much as possible. The technologists at Chicago PT joined with IDEO to study how the physical therapy process could best use the haptic and robotic technology they had developed. The findings that resulted from this research informed the KineAssist Physical Therapy Aid, a machine that assists therapists perform their jobs more safely and effectively. This new tool is a highly responsive mechanical aid that lets a physical therapist maintain hands-on sensitivity and control of the patient, a critical component in providing mobility challenges and feedback to the patient. The device tracks the patient’s step length, gait speed, and distance traveled, and offers safety in ways that do not diminish physical challenge. It is scaled to move easily down hallways and through doors. Chicago PT’s initial working units are now operating in the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, which has provided funds for further research and development. RIC is one of the world’s leading clinics for this work and is recognized as “Best Rehabilitation Hospital in America” since 1991. http://www.ideo.com/work/kineassist-research/