The symposium, titled “Rehabilitation of the Future: Transformation through Robotics and Smart Technologies”, held at Near East University, explored the technologies and emerging treatment approaches shaping the future of rehabilitation ranging from robotic systems and artificial intelligence to virtual reality applications and post-robotic surgery recovery processes.

Organized by the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at the Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences, the symposium took place at the university’s İrfan Günsel Congress Center. Bringing together academics and experts in the field, the event examined the opportunities that robotic systems and smart technologies offer for rehabilitation, as well as current clinical practices and future treatment modalities.

The well-attended symposium consisted of three sessions: “Fundamentals of Robotic Rehabilitation and Clinical Assessment”, “Current Approaches in Robotics and Technology-Assisted Rehabilitation”, and “From Robotic Technologies to Robotic Surgery”. These sessions covered scientific aspects such as neuroplasticity, patient selection, technology-enhanced treatment methods, artificial intelligence applications, and rehabilitation processes following robotic surgery.

Opening remarks were delivered by Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences, and Dr. Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association. During the symposium, also Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Eastern Mediterranean University; Prof. Dr. İnci Yüksel, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Girne American University; and Prof. Dr. Salih Angın, Dean of Students at Cyprus International University took part in the symposium.

Current approaches in robotic surgery and rehabilitation were discussed…

In the first session, chaired by Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören and Dr. Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu (PT), Assist. Prof. Dr. Nazem Gencelinoğulları explored the relationship between robotic rehabilitation and neuroplasticity in a presentation titled “Robotic Rehabilitation and Neuroplasticity: From Motor Learning to Clinical Practice.” Assist. Prof. Dr. Nüket Vural addressed key considerations for patient selection and treatment planning in her presentation, “Patient Selection and Clinical Decision-Making in Robotic Rehabilitation: Indications, Contraindications, and Treatment Goals”.

The second session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç and Assist. Prof. Dr. Özge Çakır Topkuçu. During this session, Dr. Şahveren Yücel (PT) spoke on “Robotic Rehabilitation Technologies: From Operating Principles to Clinical Practice”; Assist. Prof. Dr. Aytül Özdil covered “Technology-Assisted Balance and Functional Rehabilitation: From Assessment to Treatment”; and Assist. Prof. Dr. Ceren Ersoy discussed “The Future of Robotic Rehabilitation: Artificial Intelligence, Virtual Reality, and Smart Rehabilitation Technologies”. The third and final session was chaired by Prof. Dr. İnci Yüksel and Assist. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin B. Özkader. In this session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ramadan Özmanevra discussed current approaches in the field of robotic surgery in his presentation titled “Current Approaches in Robotic Surgery: From Surgical Technology to Functional Outcomes”. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Ender Angın focused on the importance of early mobilization and the functional recovery process following surgery in his presentation, “Rehabilitation After Robotic Surgery: From Early Mobilization to Functional Recovery.”

Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören stated: “The true advancement in technology lies in enhancing human independence and quality of life, thereby contributing to a better standard of living.”

Noting that artificial intelligence, robotic systems, virtual reality, and smart rehabilitation applications are increasingly gaining ground in the health sciences, Prof. Dr. Adile Öniz Özgören, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Near East University, explained that these technologies contribute to the personalization of treatments and the more effective monitoring of recovery processes. Emphasizing that rehabilitation is not limited to restoring mobility, Prof. Dr. Özgören highlighted that it also aims to strengthen individual independence and quality of life.

Pointing out that the role of healthcare professionals remains vital despite technological advancements, Prof. Dr. Özgören said “No technology can, on its own, replace the clinical assessment, experience, intuition, and human-centered approach of a healthcare professional.” Emphasizing that future physiotherapists must integrate technology with scientific knowledge, clinical experience, and ethical responsibility, Prof. Dr. Özgören highlighted the importance of an approach that places the needs of patients at the center.

“The future of rehabilitation will not be determined solely by the technologies we develop.” said Prof. Dr. Özgören, adding, “What will truly be decisive is how we utilize these technologies to strengthen human dignity, independence, and quality of life.”

Dr. Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu (PT, PhD): “We take great pride and pleasure in being partners with Near East University and in sharing a common vision.”

Highlighting the importance of robotics and smart technologies in the field of rehabilitation, Dr. Batuhan İ. Dericioğlu, President of the Turkish Cypriot Physiotherapists Association, emphasized that these technologies must be integrated within a human-centered approach. “Even the most advanced robotic system is only as effective as the clinical reasoning, biomechanical knowledge, and the therapeutic bond established with the patient by the physiotherapist behind it.”, Dr. Dericioğlu noted.

Stating that scientific advancements in physiotherapy in Cyprus should be supported through robust collaborations, Dr. Dericioğlu remarked, “We take great pride and pleasure in being partners with Near East University and in sharing a common vision.” He explained that the Educational Cooperation Protocol signed with the university aims to strengthen in-service training and clinical competencies, while expanding practical training opportunities for students. Dr. Dericioğlu added that the symposium program would shed light on the future of rehabilitation, covering a wide range of topics from motor learning and technology-assisted balance training to post-robotic surgery rehabilitation, with contributions from expert academics.