KEYNOTE LECTURE

Paolo Bonato

Dept of PM&R, Harvard Medical School
Media Lab, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Neurological conditions affect motor, cognitive, and communication functions in a growing number of individuals. Technological advances have enabled new ways to assess and treat these impairments. This talk focuses on motor dysfunction and how measures of motor behavior can improve outcomes across different patient populations, from children with cerebral palsy to adults with stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease, and rare movement disorders. Modern robotic systems play a central role in rehabilitation by facilitating motor training and enabling deeper insight into human–robot interactions. These measurements help identify the key factors that drive meaningful improvements in mobility. In parallel, AI-powered video tracking is expanding the potential of robot-assisted therapy by enabling group sessions that approximate the adaptability of one-on-one care. We will highlight an ongoing project combining robotics and video tracking to allow a single therapist to supervise multiple patients, with additional integration of augmented reality tools. Emerging technologies also enhance assessment. Virtual reality enables precise evaluation of balance impairments after concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, while AI-based digital endpoints support more precise tracking of recovery, particularly in stroke. Finally, we will discuss how AI can help optimize interventions for both motor and non-motor symptoms in neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and rare movement disorders.

Paolo Bonato, Ph.D., is Director of the Motion Analysis Laboratory at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, MA, and an Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School. He also holds appointments at the MIT Media Lab, the MGH Institute of Health Professions, and Boston University. Previously, he held adjunct positions at the University of Ireland Galway, the University of Melbourne, Northeastern University, and the Wyss Institute at Harvard University. Dr. Bonato’s research focuses on rehabilitation technologies, with emphasis on digital health and robotics. He was the Founding Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation and later the IEEE Open Journal of Engineering in Medicine and Biology. He serves on advisory and editorial boards for major journals including the IEEE Journal of Biomedical and Health Informatics, Progress in Biomedical Engineering, and the IEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine. His past leadership roles include service as member of the IEEE EMBS AdCom, IEEE EMBS Vice President for Publications, and President of the International Society of Electrophysiology and Kinesiology. He holds an MS from Politecnico di Torino and a PhD from the University of Rome “La Sapienza.”