Robotic Rehabilitation at Taipei Medical University Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy Take Steps Forward

Not Just Standing Still – Beijing Medical University Affiliated Hospital’s Robot Helps Children with Cerebral Palsy Move Forward

Ten-month-old Jiahui began her rehabilitation journey but spent ten years with little to no progress. Now, thanks to a rehabilitation robot initiative at Beijing Medical University Affiliated Hospital, she has taken her first small steps, bringing joy to her mother.

On May 7, 2026, an 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy named Jiahui, who once faced despair wondering if she would be confined to bed for life, is now seeing hope through the robot rehabilitation program at the hospital. In an effort to inspire other children facing similar challenges, Jiahui collaborated with singer Bishe Jin to create a video, which premiered at the “One Step Forward” press conference.

For many children, the age of ten months marks the beginning of exploring the world. However, for Jiahui, it was the start of a ten-year marathon of stagnation. Born with cerebral palsy due to oxygen deprivation, Jiahui has been trapped in a body that she could not control. Her mother recalls the early days with a strong resolve, stating that Jiahui began early rehabilitation therapy at just ten months old. This long journey has been challenging, with the emotional toll often outweighing the physical exhaustion. “After ten years of rehabilitation, still being fully paralyzed was the most exhausting feeling of having no progress,” she shared.

Everything changed when Jiahui began participating in the rehabilitation robot program at the hospital last year. With regular weekly robot training, her mother was pleasantly surprised to see Jiahui’s once “soft” body gradually gaining stability. She could stand more securely, her upper body no longer swayed randomly, and she was able to lift her feet higher and step further.

The promotional video featuring Jiahui and Bishe Jin was filmed pro bono by renowned director Lin Bingcun. During his speech at the event, 施俊明, the director of the hospital, emphasized that continuity in rehabilitation is crucial. He hopes that through this public service video, more people will understand the hard work of these children and that every bit of societal support can empower them to take a step forward.

Bishe Jin shared that he was invited to participate in the project by Lin Bingcun. Upon learning that this initiative could help children in need regain mobility through technology, he readily agreed to be involved, aiming to leverage his public influence to garner more support for these “slow-flying angels.” “For us, taking a step forward might seem simple, but for these children, it requires immense effort,” he noted.

Throughout his time with Jiahui, Bishe Jin observed that while she faces limitations in physical movements, her spirit is vibrant; she loves singing and painting. One moment that touched him deeply was when Jiahui expressed her dream of “flying an airplane.” Bishe Jin smiled warmly, admitting he hadn’t expected such grand aspirations from such a small body and wished her well, saying, “I sincerely hope that one day, she can fulfill this dream.”

Dr. Zeng Songhui from the hospital’s rehabilitation department reported that since 2019, upper limb rehabilitation robots have assisted 3,805 patients, while lower limb robots have served 11,293 patients since 2014, indicating a growing clinical demand. Zeng also mentioned that the hospital has established a “Rehabilitation Robot Treatment Fund,” which has subsidized 297 patient instances and assisted 97 families. The aim is to stabilize rehabilitation for patients at critical stages, enhancing their functional independence. The public service video will be released across major video platforms and the hospital’s official website, with ongoing fundraising efforts to encourage broader community support for helping more individuals advance steadily in life.