# A Prototype Mechatronic Device for Upper Limb Rehabilitation and Analysis of Its Functionality
## 5 Conclusions  
This article has presented a prototype mechatronic device and dedicated software designed for upper limb rehabilitation and appraisement, based on the principles of the Box and Block Test (BBT). As the solution is still undergoing development, final technical specifications of the structural components have not been included; the components described herein were primarily utilised for functional testing. The proposed device is intended to support hand grip rehabilitation and full upper limb movement using the well-established rehabilitation technique of crossed facilitation. A key advantage of the device is its ability to coordinate the rehabilitation of the impaired limb with activity in the unaffected limb. The user not only practises a range of motion using dedicated manipulation objects but also exercises fine motor functions, including wrist articulation and finger dexterity, by executing precise grips. The manipulation objects vary in shape, size, material, and surface complexity. These features are designed to stimulate tactile receptors in the hand and fingers, thereby accelerating rehabilitation. Furthermore, the use of coloured and numbered objects enhances user engagement, potentially making therapy more effective and enjoyable than conventional methods. The device also supports the implementation of biofeedback-based rehabilitation. In selected scenarios, exercises require simultaneous bimanual coordination. The development of additional interchangeable overlays for the task modules has enhanced the device's functionality and enabled the creation of manipulation objects tailored to users at various stages of recovery. The system's microcomputer and integrated software modules provide broad compatibility with peripheral input/output devices. Future developments will include a network communication module to enable remote operation and cloud-based data storage. A sound communication interface will also be integrated, featuring speech recognition and voice-guided assistance, particularly for users with speech impairments. Moreover, the software will incorporate a personalised settings management tool, allowing therapists to adapt exercises to the anatomical characteristics of individual users. Visualisation of progress and results--stored locally or in the cloud--will be supported. The device's compact design allows for easy assembly and disassembly, facilitating use in a variety of settings convenient to the user. Future development will focus on further optimising the structural design and software to produce a more portable and anthropomorphic device. The rehabilitation setup will also accommodate semi-reclined positions, allowing exercises to be performed in bed. Control buttons will be redesigned within a separate housing, which can be positioned according to user preference. Communication between the buttons and the microcontroller will be wireless (Bluetooth), and the button positions will be adjustable to alter tasks' difficulty. This flexibility is intended to prevent habituation to fixed response patterns, promoting neuromuscular adaptation through a progressive variation in task challenges across training sessions. Conceptualisation, J.S.T. and J.M. ; methodology, J.S.T. and J.M. ; software, J.S.T. ; validation, J.S.T. ; formal analysis, J.M. ; investigation, J.S.T. ; data curation, J.S.T. ; writing--original draft preparation, J.S.T. and J.M. ; writing--review and editing, J.M. ; visualisation, J.M. ; supervision, J.M. ; project administration, J.S.T. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. The work presented in this publication was carried out with funding from grant No. N2_211, \"Upper Limb Rehabilitation Device\", provided by the Podkarpackie Centre for Innovation in Rzeszow.