Robotic overhead support system

Disclosed is an overhead support system 10 suitable for assisting with movement of a less mobile patient. The system comprises an overhead gantry 14, and a driven support device 12. The driven support device 12 comprises: a vertical drive means (30, figure 2a) having a drive output element (34, figure 2a) extendible and retractable along the vertical axis; a support element 20 for attaching to a patient in use; and an extendible coupling (36, figure 2a) that is at least in part rigid in a plane perpendicular to the vertical axis. The extendible coupling (36, figure 2a) is provided to limit lateral displacement of the support system in use. The drive output element may comprise a bi-stable reeled composite (BRC) material and/or storable tubular members (STEM). The extendible coupling may comprise a plurality of rigid collapsible interconnected members (54, figure 5a) that may scissor together, or a plurality of telescoping members. The system may further comprise vertical and/or lateral force sensors. The support element may comprise at least one handle (370, figure 10d) and/or a frame (368, figure 10d). The support element may be removable, and the system may comprise an identifier to identify different support elements.