Table 1

Characteristics of included studies and robotic technologies

Author(s) (year)DesignSampleSettingRobot typeRobot function and key features
Boman and Bartfai (2015)Qualitative3 OTs, 3 patients, 4 nursesSwedish inpatient rehabilitationGiraff (Mobile Telepresence Robot: 163 cm mobile base with screen, camera, speakers)Remote monitoring and safety assessment via video communication, remote navigation, automatic docking
Bourassa et al. (2023)Quantitative cross-sectional93 OTsCanada, USA, Europe (rehabilitation and community)JACO, iARM (Wheelchair-Mounted robotic arms mounted on wheelchair base)Assistive independence for daily tasks via adaptive control interfaces (joystick, touchscreen) for eating, grooming, door opening
Flynn et al. (2019)Qualitative (focus groups)6 OTs, 6 PTsAustralian rehabilitationInMotion2 (Stationary electromechanical device with arm-like structure)High-repetition upper limb exercises via adaptive support, movement tracking, visual feedback, progress monitoring
Flynn et al. (2025)Qualitative (focus groups)5 OTs, 4 PTsAustralian rehabilitationInMotion2 (Stationary electromechanical device with arm-like structure)High-repetition upper limb exercises via active-assisted movement, visual feedback and semi-supervised practice
Komariyah et al. (2024)Mixed-methods sequential113 OTs (quantitative), 11 OTs (qualitative)Indonesian paediatric/ASD settingsSocial robots: Humanoid (nao, KASPAR, zeno) and animal-inspired (AIBO, Paro, CuDDler)Social interaction and skill development for children with ASD via Two-way interaction, emotion recognition, behaviour modelling, sensory response
Mackenzie et al. (2025)Mixed-methods pilot7 patients, 8 health professionalsAustralian inpatient SCI unitDiego™ (computer interface with screen and mechanical frame)Gamified upper limb recovery via gravity compensation, interactive games, real-time feedback, customisable difficulty
Mashizume et al. (2021)Qualitative (focus groups)27 OTsJapanese rehabilitation hospitalsReoGo VR-J (desktop robotic system with mechanical arm and screen)Independent movement training for ADLs via preset motion patterns, adjustable assistance, visual feedback, trial-and-error learning
Proulx et al. (2023)Mixed-method14 OTsCanadian rehabilitation/outpatientExoGlove (wearable glove with embedded cables and forearm-mounted motor module)Task-specific hand rehabilitation via motorised assistance, mirror mode, programmable movements, adjustable settings
Note(s):

Key: OT refers to Occupational Therapist, PT refers to Physiotherapist, ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder, SCI stands for Spinal Cord Injury, ADL/ADLs refer to Activity or Activities of Daily Living

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