Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/ ZENODOarrow_drop_down
image/svg+xml art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos Open Access logo, converted into svg, designed by PLoS. This version with transparent background. http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Open_Access_logo_PLoS_white.svg art designer at PLoS, modified by Wikipedia users Nina, Beao, JakobVoss, and AnonMoos http://www.plos.org/
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: ZENODO
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Preprint . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
versions View all 2 versions
addClaim

ARIA: An Open-Source Framework for Accessible AI-Powered Assistive Robotics in Parkinson's Disease Management

Authors: Durayveon Butler;

ARIA: An Open-Source Framework for Accessible AI-Powered Assistive Robotics in Parkinson's Disease Management

Abstract

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects over 10 million individuals worldwide, with motor symptoms including tremor, bradykinesia, and freezing of gait (FoG) significantly impacting quality of life. While commercial assistive robotics exist, costs ranging from $3,000 to $70,000 create prohibitive barriers for most patients and caregivers. This paper presents ARIA (Adaptive Robotic Intelligence for Aging), an open-source framework for building accessible AI-powered companion systems for individuals with Parkinson's disease. We synthesize current research in soft robotics, socially assistive robots (SARs), and conversational AI to propose a family of six companion devices—spanning tabletop companions to walker-integrated mobility assistants—all buildable for under $500 using commodity hardware. Drawing on evidence that external visual and auditory cueing can reduce freezing of gait episodes by up to 68%, we detail the neuroscientific basis for our intervention mechanisms and present a democratized approach to assistive technology development. Our analysis of the $52 billion annual PD care market reveals significant opportunity for open-source disruption, with particular impact potential in underserved populations lacking access to specialized care.

Keywords

human-robot interaction, assistive robotics, socially assistive robots, Parkinson's disease, open-source hardware, freezing of gait, accessibility

  • BIP!
    Impact byBIP!
    selected citations
    These citations are derived from selected sources.
    This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    0
    popularity
    This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
    influence
    This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
    Average
    impulse
    This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
    Average
Powered by OpenAIRE graph
Found an issue? Give us feedback
selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
Green