Neuro4PD: An Initial Neurorobotics Model of Parkinson's Disease

In this work, we present the first steps toward the creation of a new neurorobotics model of Parkinson's Disease (PD) that embeds, for the first time in a real robot, a well-established computational model of PD. PD mostly affects the modulation of movement in humans. The number of people suffering from this neurodegenerative disease is set to double in the next 15 years and there is still no cure. With the new model we were capable to further explore the dynamics of the disease using a humanoid robot. Results show that the embedded model under both conditions, healthy and parkinsonian, was capable of performing a simple behavioural task with different levels of motor disturbance. We believe that this neurorobotics model is a stepping stone to the development of more sophisticated models that could eventually test and inform new PD therapies and help to reduce and replace animals in research.

Automated summary

The study introduces a new neurorobotics model that embeds a computational model of Parkinson's Disease in a real robot, allowing for further exploration of the disease dynamics and potential testing of new therapies. The model demonstrates the capability of performing simple tasks with different levels of motor disturbance in both healthy and parkinsonian conditions. It serves as a foundation for the development of more sophisticated models that could aid in reducing animal use in research and improving PD treatments.