Enhancing neurocognitive rehabilitation with smart cubes: Design, technology, and programmable games
Jaroslav Vondrak, Vladimír Kašík, Jan Grepl, Terezie Kubošková, Martin Augustýnek, Jan Kubíček, Tereza Benešová, Petr Nilius · Results in Engineering · 2025
Neurocognitive rehabilitation is essential for restoring cognitive and motor functions in patients with neurological disorders. This study presents a prototype of an innovative smart system based on Tangible User Interface (TUI) technology, specifically designed for neurocognitive rehabilitation. The system comprises a game mat, six smart cubes, and a tablet interface, utilizing infrared (IR) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) communication for accurate spatial detection and wireless interaction. Each cube features an e-ink display, IR LEDs, a microcontroller, and haptic feedback elements. The system enables real-time position and orientation tracking of the cubes and supports adaptive, interactive therapeutic tasks. A series of technical validation experiments were conducted, including detection accuracy under varying optical filter conditions, power consumption analysis, and mechanical durability testing in accordance with IEC 60601-1. Results demonstrated high detection reliability (up to 98%) and sufficient structural robustness of the prototype. It is important to emphasize that the primary aim of this study is to present a technical solution in the form of a fully functional prototype; no clinical testing was performed. Clinical evaluation will be addressed in subsequent research phases.