Henry Hasson was injured in a car accident in 1994 that left him paralyzed at injury level T7. Although recovery from his injury was strenuous, Henry didn’t let it slow him down, as he went on to graduate medical school in 2001, followed by a neurology residency and fellowship in 2006. Dr. Hasson has now been practicing neurology for 15 years, with special qualifications in child neurology.
Dr. Hasson read an article in the Wall Street Journal about a clinical research study at NYU for the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton, which would give people with paraplegia the ability to walk again. After learning more, he decided to see if he would be a candidate for the device. His T7 injury level fell within the FDA approval range, making him eligible for training. He began his rehabilitation with the device in October 2016. Physical Therapist Clare Hartigan of Shepherd Center conducted the training with Dr. Hasson at his home in Brooklyn, where he said learning how to walk again was “easy and fun.” After his first walk with Ekso Indego Personal, Henry said he felt excited that the device would help with his core muscle strength and balance. He was also excited that the weight bearing would be beneficial for his bones.
Henry had tried other exoskeletons, but he chose Esko Indego Personal based on a variety of key features. The modular design of the device that allows it to be broken down into small parts for easy transport was one such differentiator. Other key attributes included how smoothly the device walks, the variable assist feature (which allows the user to customize the level of support given by the device), how easy it is to put the device on, and the fact that there is no backpack or exposed wires.
Although the exoskeleton has not replaced Dr. Hasson’s wheelchair, it acts as a complementary tool that has enabled him to do things he hasn’t done in years, such as exercising in an upright position. Henry uses Ekso Indego Personal for his daily exercise and regular walks and hopes to one day use it on stairs (currently, Ekso Indego Personal is not meant for staircase use). He says that being upright has improved his quality of life and assisted with his breathing, circulation, and weight bearing.
Dr. Henry Hasson is one of the first users to own Ekso Indego Personal. He finds the device to have a positive influence on his day-to-day life and hopes it continues to improve his overall quality of life.
In November 2017, Dr. Hasson completed the 1 Mile Spinal Cord Damage Research Center Fundraiser Race using Ekso Indego Personal, and he couldn’t be more proud.
Now offered under Ekso Bionics, Ekso Indego Personal is a flagship at-home exoskeleton that is designed to help patients with spinal cord injuries walk again in their homes and community. Equipped with a modular, quick-connect design, you can put it on and take it off anytime without assistance. It’s also extra light, weighing only 29 lb (13kg), and is designed to help you take it with you anywhere you want to go. Try Ekso Indego Personal today and regain your independence. For any inquiries, reach out to us today.
On June 1, 2013, 16-year-old Will Hutchins was involved in a car accident that left him paralyzed with a T8 spinal cord injury (SCI). Today, Will is able to walk again with the help of Ekso Indego Personal and the PTs at Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
Will was a participant in the clinical trial that enabled the Indego Personal to be made commercially available in the United States and Europe. Will continues to support the team as a subject for potential Indego functionalities such as Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) and is prominently featured in marketing materials. The following is a transcript from an interview with Will about his experience with Ekso Indego Personal thus far.
How and when did you hear about Ekso Indego Personal?
WH: Someone at Shepherd told me about Ekso Indego Personal, but I was too young at the time to try it. Very shortly after I turned 18, I was offered the opportunity to participate in an Indego study.
Describe some of your feelings/emotions when you first walked using Ekso Indego Personal.
WH: I was blown away. To have the opportunity to walk again was amazing. My girlfriend Kaci liked it as well. She was with me in the car during the horrible car accident, and she supported me during my rehabilitation at Shepherd Center.
What was it like being able to walk with your classmates at your high school graduation?
WH: It was always my goal to walk again and be on the stage with my peers. Thanks to Indego, this dream came true. I was very nervous as it was the first time that I walked with Indego in front of so many people. When I walked up the ramp, it was super quiet, but when I got up to the stage, people started to stand up and cheer. I am not the guy who is looking for this kind of attention, but I am very thankful that I was given the chance to walk during my graduation.
Does Ekso Indego Personal replace your wheelchair?
WH: No, but it is better than sitting down constantly. It gives me another option.
How was the training/learning to walk with Ekso Indego Personal?
WH: It was pretty easy. I started with a walker, and within 30 minutes, I graduated to the crutches. I had to learn to trust the device. The device looked so slim and light that I was afraid that it wasn’t going to hold me, but it did. Now I am in the process of further improving my walking in Ekso Indego Personal.
How do you use Ekso Indego Personal today/now?
WH: I don’t have my own exoskeleton yet, but I hope to have one eventually. I would walk in the yard and would take it anywhere I could.
Does Ekso Indego Personal improve your quality of life? If yes, how so?
WH: It stretches me out, and my spasms reduce significantly after use.
What are you able to do now with Ekso Indego Personal that you weren’t able to do before?
WH: Ekso Indego Personal offers me opportunities I couldn’t imagine after my accident, such as going to a concert. This wasn’t possible with my wheelchair.
Now offered under Ekso Bionics, Ekso Indego Personal is a flagship at-home exoskeleton that is designed to help patients with spinal cord injuries walk again in their homes and community. Equipped with a modular, quick-connect design, you can put it on and take it off anytime without assistance. It’s also extra light, weighing only 29 lb (13kg), and is designed to help you take it with you anywhere you want to go. Try Ekso Indego Personal today and regain your independence. For any inquiries, reach out to us today.
I have always dreamt about having the opportunity to walk again. While it would be different than before my spinal cord injury, I’d love to be able to look someone in the eyes while speaking. For my wedding day, I wanted to stand face to face with my future wife, stare into her eyes, hear the words “you may kiss the bride,” and walk her back down the aisle.
Why I Decided to Use Ekso Indego Personal in My Wedding
In 2018, I saw other people with Spinal Cord Injuries use exoskeletons to celebrate milestones in their lives, including graduating from college and getting married, and I wanted to do the same. Of course, my beautiful fiancė (now) wife, Lindsay, was more than willing to help me incorporate Ekso Indego Personal into our big day. To be honest, I was the one who was most skeptical about using an exoskeleton at my wedding. I had many worries and unanswered questions. Would the exoskeleton take away from the shining moment that Lindsay had envisioned for her entire life? Would our family and friends focus too much on me walking for the first time in seven years? Would I like the way that I looked standing at the altar? After all, my wheelchair had become an essential part of my life and our relationship.
I brought my concerns to the Ekso Indego team, who were very understanding. Lindsay and I had picked out a beautiful outdoor venue in a nearby national park months before and were committed to having an outdoor ceremony. My biggest priority was practicing enough to feel confident while walking through grass and on uneven terrain. I had used the device quite a bit, but never in the grass or across stone walkways outdoors. After working with the team to train my best man as my “Indego support person,” everyone at Indego rallied together to provide a device for me to take home and practice with the week before the wedding.
Days Before the Wedding
Lindsay and I both wanted to use the Ekso Indego Personal for our first dance, as the reception was indoors, and I was confident that it would be possible. We were still unsure if we would be able to use the exoskeleton during our ceremony, as Ohio weather in October is anything but predictable. Naturally, the entire week leading up to our wedding day, October 6, 2018, had been nothing but rain.
Due to the weather, I did not have the opportunity to practice much outside, so with the first ray of sunshine, I got in the Ekso Indego Personal and walked all the way around our two-acre yard. This was the first time in seven years that I was able to walk in my own home. I picked apples and pears from the trees in our backyard, chased the dogs around for a bit, and cracked a few jokes while walking. Needless to say, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
The next day was our rehearsal dinner, and Ohio weather delivered again— rain all day. The weather cleared up just before the rehearsal, so I took advantage and used the Ekso Indego Personal to practice. I knew that Lindsay and I had a backup plan in case the slippery grass and mud created a less-than-ideal situation. I was thrilled that I had no issues walking in these conditions and was confident that I could make this happen. It was finally starting to set in that I was going to be marrying my best friend and the love of my life the following day.
The Ceremony
Everything went perfectly on the day of our wedding. All my closest family members and friends were there, everyone looked so sharp, and the weather was absolutely gorgeous! It was 80 degrees and sunny. Very rare for Ohio in October.
The time had finally come. I walked my mother and father down the aisle, gave them a big hug and kiss before seeing them to their seats, and stood beside my handsome groomsmen. While looking out over my dear family and friends, I watched the beautiful bridesmaids lead the way for my soon-to-be wife, escorted by my in-laws, to meet me at the altar. This was the greatest moment of my life.
It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime feeling to be able to stand and overlook our guests while Lindsay and her father walked down the aisle. It took everything I had in me not to completely lose it. This was the first time I had seen her in over 24 hours. I was speechless at how beautiful she looked as we stood hand-in-hand, reciting our vows. I will never forget hearing the officiant say the words, “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.” We then, for the first time as husband and wife, walked side-by-side, being cheered by all our loved ones as we exited the ceremony.
The Reception
After the ceremony, Lindsay and I had a photoshoot before everyone moved into the barn for the reception. Once we all finished eating dinner, we moved straight into our first dance. For obvious reasons, I had never thought that Lindsay and I would be able to share this intimate moment, looking each other in the eyes while I held her in my arms. This was a special surprise for our guests as well, and there was not a dry eye in the room. We then moved on to the father-daughter dance, followed by the mother-son dance. I wanted to surprise my mother with this dance, and it definitely worked. This was the first time that I ever danced with my mom – something that she probably thought would never be possible after my injury.
For so many reasons, I am grateful to have such a great group of people who love and support Lindsay and me. The fact that I was able to stand and walk on the day of our wedding is something that I will never forget and is a priceless memory that I will cherish forever.
The National Veterans Wheelchair Games held in Louisville, KY, in July 2019 were the 39th annual games and pulled in over 800 athletes. Starting in 1981, the wheelchair games have drawn individuals from all 50 states, including the Dominican Republic and Great Britain. Over the past years, the wheelchair games have expanded from the original 7 events to over 20 events bringing veterans together to compete on one stage.
In 2019, veteran Jim Kempner joined as an athlete in his 4th wheelchair games and participated in 9 different events, including slalom, trap shooting, bowling, and archery. His outstanding dedication and ability to battle to the top led him to receive three gold medals and four silver medals. When receiving his medals, Jim used his Ekso Indego Personal to walk across the stage. When explaining his feelings, Jim expressed, “to show veterans that now we have the opportunity to not only stand but walk again is a feeling that is hard to explain.”
Injured in March of 2014 when he fell off the second story of a building, Jim was determined to continue pursuing his passions and hobbies. By participating in the veteran wheelchair games, he was able to compete on a high level and dedicate himself to the challenge each sport provided. His interest in participating in sports at a high level and continuing to be active led him to seek out other interests, including exploring technology available for veterans— exoskeletons. Jim started his training with the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton in April of 2018 through VA Palo Alto. Walking across the stage to accept his medals at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games was only the beginning for Jim.
When he is not competing in his sports, Jim uses Ekso Indego Personal on a daily basis to walk with his family and friends. He truly takes it to the limits, demonstrating how Ekso Indego Personal is not only helping veterans walk at home but around the community. Jim enjoys walking around Walmart and Home Depot, something that was not an option for him following his injury in 2014. Not only has he been able to see personal changes when using Ekso Indego Personal, but his family has also been a big part of his journey as well. So much so that a letter written by his granddaughter outlining three wishes included a wish for her grandpa Jim, “My last wish would be for my grandpa to walk again.”
“To be able to stand and walk again really can’t be put into words. To be able to show others that there are options other than to just be in a chair the rest of their life is great.”
Jim Kempner, United States Veteran, Wheelchair Olympics Athlete, and Indego user
Ekso Indego Personal has helped Jim to continue reaching for his goals and passions. Not only in his love for sports but also in making his granddaughter’s wish come true.
Now offered under Ekso Bionics, Ekso Indego Personal is a flagship at-home exoskeleton that is designed to help patients with spinal cord injuries walk again in their homes and community. Equipped with a modular, quick-connect design, you can put it on and take it off anytime without assistance. It’s also extra light, weighing only 29 lb (13kg), and is designed to help you take it with you anywhere you want to go. Try Ekso Indego Personal today and regain your independence. For any inquiries, reach out to us today.
My name is Jim Dahlin. I’m an army veteran who served as a combat medic with the 4th infantry division in Vietnam from 1969-70. I was discharged in June of 1971 and used the GI bill to become a nurse anesthetist. When I was 48, I could ride a bicycle across the US from Seattle to Williamsburg, Virginia, in 24 days averaging 140 miles a day. Two short years later, at the age of 50, I was unable to even get on a bicycle. I had been diagnosed with a spinal cord injury, which eventually put me in a wheelchair.
The Minneapolis VA and My Introduction to Exoskeletons
I didn’t get involved with the VA until 2014 when I had an MRI done at the Minneapolis VA. I needed to have my baclofen pump checked before I could be discharged and had to go to the SCID (spinal cord injury or disease) center. When I met with the physician there, she told me that my disease qualified me to be seen and treated at the SCID center. As part of my two-day physical, I was seen by a physical therapist who asked me if I would be willing to try a new therapy device. This new therapy device was an exoskeleton called the Ekso NR. I attended physical therapy three days a week for five weeks. It was so nice to stand and move. Unfortunately, the Ekso was only for therapy and not for home use.
After a few weeks, I got a call from another therapist in the SCID who was looking for people to try the ReWalk exoskeleton, which was approved for home use. I went through training for three weeks to learn how to use the device. Since you need to have someone with you using the exoskeleton, my wife went through some of the training with me. After completing my training, I was approved to take it home for a three-month trial. After my trial period ended, I returned the device and was asked if I wanted to have it purchased on my behalf by the VA. Later, I found out that another device was launching for trial in the next few months, so I decided to try the new exoskeleton as well before I made a decision.
Why I Chose Ekso Indego Personal
When the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton launched, my wife and I attended and completed the training for it at the Minneapolis VA. I was then given the opportunity to take the Ekso Indego Personal home for a three-month trial. During my trial period, Indego made some changes to the exoskeleton. They sent me the new components with each change, so my trial period was extended to give me the opportunity to test all the new components.
I made the decision to go with Ekso Indego Personal for a few reasons. I can make adjustments to such things as step height and step length while walking in the device. Its five-piece design makes it easy to assemble and put on, and if I spend some time away from my home, it has a travel case to store it in.
The thing I love most about exoskeletons is the ability to stand, walk, and look someone straight in the face while talking. Those of us in chairs know how tiring it can be on our necks to look up at someone who is standing and carry on a long conversation. It’s also good for the overall body to stand and move. I generally walk in the device for 30-45 minutes, 2-3 times a week. Living in Minnesota, the winter poses some problems when it gets too cold, or the sidewalks become slippery from ice and snow. Because the Ekso Indego Personal is slim and lightweight, I can get in my car while wearing the device, giving me the option to go to a mall or large store and walk with it during the winter months.
If you are currently in a wheelchair, I recommend speaking with the physical therapist in your SCID to see if you physically qualify for the use of an exoskeleton. If you do qualify, I highly encourage you to do a trial with your therapist. I know that not every SCID has an exoskeleton in-house. If yours does not, contact Ekso today to make an inquiry.
On a chilly morning more than three years ago, Paul Austin (formerly a rescue swimmer for the U.S. Navy) and his wife Brandi Koltermann were working on a landscaping job. One last branch had to be cut before the trunk before they removed a large 10-foot tree and ticked it off their list. Paul climbed the tree while Brandi waited on the ground, ready to clear away the brush. Unfortunately, Paul slipped, fell from the tree, broke his back, and severed his spinal cord leading to a complete T11 injury.
Paul’s Recovery Journey After the Injury
Brandi recalls the accident vividly. She remembers holding Paul’s head and talking to him calmly while he received treatment. When Paul was told he was paralyzed, he was devastated. It dawned on him he had lost everything he had worked hard for.
Paul believed walking again was not an option. When he started rehab in Richmond, Virginia, he noticed the use of exoskeletons in physical therapy, and he asked about “the RoboCop legs.” As a Navy veteran, he went through the Richmond VA Medical Center. He submitted his name to the research department, expressing interest in the exoskeleton, and six months later, he was called to take part in a nine-month program involving therapy twice a week. “The VA definitely helped with this process. They’ve been so supportive,” said Paul.
Seeing exoskeletons being used in rehab gave Paul a glimmer of hope. And when he first stood up with the help of an exoskeleton, Brandi was overwhelmed with emotion. “You lost the use of your legs, and now this gives that back to you,” she said.
Brandi was able to give him a standing hug for the first time since the accident. Paul especially loved that now he could look other people in the eyes. “It’s an indescribable feeling. It is such a good feeling because in your head, you’re thinking you’re never going to walk again, and I can’t do this or that,” he said.
Discovering the Ekso Indego Personal Exoskeleton
Since the first time Paul saw the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton at the 2018 National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Orlando, he knew he had to try it. The device wasn’t as bulky and had fewer components than the one he was using at the time. With the Indego exoskeleton, mobility seemed graceful and very different from his current exoskeleton. After a one-hour trial, he was convinced. The Ekso Indego Personal provided a smoother, more natural gait.
Additionally, it weighed significantly less. The couple wasn’t able to travel with their first exoskeleton, but with the Indego, they could use it on the go. The other exoskeleton felt heavy because of its weight and rigid components, but with the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton, walking felt more natural.
The Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton was very easy to learn to use. He would leave the device charged and assembled in a chair. Then, with Brandi’s help, he would simply transfer in and out as needed. “It does all of the work for you after that!” He did have to get used to walking around at home and on hills and ramps, but after practice, it didn’t take long to get accustomed to the Ekso Indego Personal. Paul now walks three times a week, on average.
A short time after using the Indego, Paul saw extreme improvement in his health, both physically and mentally. His upper body strength, bone, and joint health have improved. And his mental outlook is better. “Thanks to the exoskeleton, there is hope for walking. It’s a great feeling. Everything feels a bit lighter. It’s made a true difference,” said Paul.
With the help of the VA and Indego, the process of acquiring the exoskeleton was streamlined. “As simple as it could be, and the communication was great,” said Paul.
Paul’s daughter is planning to get married, and he fully intends to walk her down the aisle. After learning he was paralyzed, Paul had given up on this dream, but Ekso Indego Personal made his dream possible. As a father, walking his daughter down the aisle is a major life milestone. “It’s a big deal,” he said.
What Does the Future Hold?
The couple still has a positive outlook on life despite all that has happened. They are always looking forward to new possibilities and opportunities. For example, Paul has been able to start electrotherapy after using the Ekso Indego Personal exoskeleton.
What’s next for the couple? The 9/11 Memorial & Museum 5K Run/Walk in New York City. To prepare for the walk, Paul practices distance walking at home. Their quarter-mile-long driveway is the perfect track. The first goal is to be able to walk a mile with a pine tree or mailbox as the end marker. Recently, Paul has begun walking three-quarters of a mile regularly. He’s excited to reach the one-mile mark. Brandi looks forward to the moment she can say, “You know what, Paul, we did this.”
Brandi keeps an engraving near Paul’s National Wheelchair Games medals that states: “An I can’t become an I did.” Over the past few years, Paul has progressed from believing he would never walk to working towards the goal of walking a mile.
Brandi keeps a list of things that Paul thinks he can’t do because he is in a wheelchair, then crosses things off as they accomplish them together. Crossed off the list are: riding a four-wheeler, scuba diving, using a zero-turn lawn mower, going up in a hot air balloon, and walking!
The couple’s mission is now to encourage others. “We are in a place with technology where the question is, ‘Why not?’ At times, things can seem tough, but just never give up hope and always strive to be better,” they advised.
Although life changed after the injury, Paul and Brandi are still running the landscaping business. They keep receiving requests for work but have switched roles in order to accommodate Paul. Now, Paul cuts lawns, and Brandi does the weeding. Paul is grateful he can still do the landscaping work he loves, even though tree removal is no longer an option.
Indego exoskeletons are now available under Ekso Bionics, and if you’d like to learn more or make an inquiry, get in touch with us today.
Spring is near, and the warmer weather opens an abundance of opportunities to get outside! The intention of this blog is to discuss tips to help you, as an Indego Personal user, to prepare for increasing Indego use, especially if your walking time was diminished during the cold winter months. This is also to provide suggestions to clinicians on how to implement outdoor activities in the Indego exoskeleton during patient treatment sessions.
Read below, and add the following tips to your routine or clinical practice to ensure safety and success with Indego Personal this spring.
How to Safely Use Exoskeletons in Spring
Stretch
Be sure to incorporate a solid stretching regimen into your routine. Muscles may become stiff or shortened during winter months when users might experience extended times sitting. Some key muscles to target in your stretching routine include your hip flexors and your hamstrings. If you are unfamiliar with these types of stretches, contact your physical therapist for a personalized stretching program to perform at home.
A standing frame is another great option for stretching legs and hips in addition to the many other benefits associated with standing frame use. Begin with 20 minutes and add an additional 5 minutes per session to improve your upright standing tolerance and to achieve a prolonged stretch of leg and hip muscles. For clinicians, if your patients are stiffer this spring from prolonged sitting during the winter months, try having them stretch or use the standing frame prior to their physical therapy session.
Conduct Skin Checks
Keeping your skin healthy is incredibly important, especially with Indego exoskeleton use. Remember from your training that skin checks, both before and after each Indego walking session, are an essential step. This is especially true if you haven’t used the exoskeleton frequently in a long time. Regular exoskeleton use helps toughen up skin in areas that come into contact with the device. But if you haven’t walked in your exoskeleton as often during the cold months, your skin might be more sensitive when starting back on a routine.
Check the following locations before and after each Indego walking session: Tailbone, hip bones, shins, ankle bones, and outside edges of both feet. You are looking for redness, skin irritation, or skin breakdown. Redness in these areas following exoskeleton use is common, but as a general rule, redness is expected to disappear between walking sessions. You can also expect it to disappear after about 10-15 minutes of being out of the device. If you experience significant skin irritation and/or skin breakdown, please contact your physical therapist prior to using the exoskeleton again.
Increase Exoskeleton Wear Time
Gradually increasing wear time is just as important as skin checks. If you are returning to exoskeleton use after a break during the winter months, begin with the goal of spending 30 minutes exercising. The 30-minute timer begins when you tighten up the straps and ends when you remove the exoskeleton. You can then start to build up tolerance and ensure your skin stays protected by gradually increasing your usage time. A good rule of thumb for wear time progression is adding 5 minutes to every session, assuming skin checks are clear and all, if any, redness subsides. Abiding by this rule will keep skin safe while building up tolerance.
Scope Out Your Walking Area in Advance
As the weather starts to warm up, we encourage you to use your Indego Personal outside. A good approach to exploring new places with Indego Personal is to go to the location beforehand to ensure the terrain is safe for use, including the capability to maneuver your assistive device. Please remember Indego Personal is not safe to use on sand, loose gravel, or any terrain that is unstable or slippery. In addition, find benches, chairs, walls, and railings that may be helpful spots for taking breaks. Having a walking route in mind with these places identified in advance will be helpful if a break is needed. Paths at public parks, community centers, football field tracks, and shopping centers are likely to have many of these options easily accessible.
Conclusion
We hope that these tips help prepare you for warm weather adventures with Ekso Indego Personal this year. If you have questions or comments, please reach out to us.
In an expansion and growth effort, Ekso Bionics successfully acquired the Parker Hannifin Human Motion and Control Business Unit, including the Indego® exoskeleton product line. Indego exoskeletons are now available under Ekso Bionics’ offering, and if you’d like to learn more, get in touch with us today.
George Stewart sits in his wheelchair wearing the Indego exoskeleton. His wife Paula secures straps, checks foot placement, and centers a walker in front of him. George clicks a button on his hip and says, “We’re going green, Paula!” then leans forward and pushes up, triggering the Indego and George to stand. George exclaims, “I’m up, I’m out of this chair, I’ve got freedom again.”
George and Paula have come a long way since 2013, when George was in a work accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down after being run over by a tractor-trailer. “I spent nine weeks in the ICU, then three and a half months at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, GA. I’ve done quite a bit of therapy to get me to this point,” George shares. “The Shepherd Center is where I first saw the Indego exoskeleton. But I was afraid that insurance wouldn’t approve it for me, so I just left it alone.”
Fast forward nearly five years to South Charleston, West Virginia.“I brought my uncle to his appointment at First Settlement Physical Therapy and saw Lyle training with the Indego exoskeleton. I learned that Lyle got insurance approval for his Indego exoskeleton because of his work injury, so I decided to try and get one too.” George presented his case and information about Indego to his insurance company, and two weeks later, he received a call telling him he was approved. “I was astonished, believe me, quite astonished!
When describing his Indego training program, George shares, “It’s been hard at times, then it eases back up. But anything you do with a spinal cord injury is going to be hard, to begin with, I don’t care what it is. I remember being at Shepherd Center flat on my back, trach in, couldn’t roll over, couldn’t sit up. Was it hard? Yeah! But with five days of therapy per week, I found ways to work through it. Same thing with Indego.”
George trained using the Indego exoskeleton five days per week for an hour per session. After mastering all the basic skills and knowledge required for Check-Off Day, George and his wife were cleared to take the Indego exoskeleton home for personal use on December 3, 2019. George grins and says, “I’ve got a Christmas surprise planned. My family lives 130 miles away, but we’re all getting together for Christmas. My Indego exoskeleton has been a well-kept secret. A hard-kept secret but a well-kept secret. Paula and I will sneak off into a separate room to put it on, then walk into the living room where the family is for quite a surprise.” George and Paula share huge smiles and laughter as they share their plans for the big day. “My mother is 91, and it will be quite a shock and surprise for her to see me standing up again. It will be quite a shock for everyone! What their reactions will be, I have no idea.”
“My daughter graduates from nursing school in July of next year. My plan is to walk across that stage and be the one who gets to pin on her nursing pin at graduation. What better place to showcase the Indego personal exoskeleton”, George exclaims, “than in front of all the doctors and nurses in the crowd at graduation.”
As George and Paula pack up their Indego exoskeleton to take it home for the first time, George shares, “I think the Indego will give me longevity. It will keep me from sitting, it will keep me moving. Even at 70 or 75 years old. Now I can get up, and I can stay up! I can drink a cup of coffee while I’m standing. I can change the light bulbs in the house. Now I can look at somebody eye to eye, rather than always looking up. That makes a big difference. That’s one of the best things about it.”
When asked if there’s anything special he wants people considering the Indego exoskeleton to know, George states, “Definitely go for it! I’d sit down with anybody and share my story with them and answer any of their questions. It’s been a great experience, and I look forward to even better experiences now that we’re taking it home.”
The Indego Difference
Indego is a leading exoskeleton provider that focuses on personal and clinical mobility rehabilitation solutions. Our exoskeletons use proprietary software that is customizable to the patient’s needs and goals. Furthermore, our solutions are designed to be intuitive and easy to use in any environment.
There’s been an explosion in the creation of rehabilitation technology over the last 10 years. As rehabilitation professionals, we’re fortunate to provide our patients with more opportunities for recovery than we ever have. However, these technologies are often costly capital purchases which can be challenging to justify in an environment where reimbursement rates and lengths of stay continue to decline. Therefore, it’s essential to critically evaluate each piece of technology for potential purchase to ensure maximum return on investment for our specific patient populations.
Interdisciplinary Team Evaluation
When evaluating a piece of rehabilitation technology, it’s vital to take an interdisciplinary approach to ensure stakeholders’ needs are met. Some of the groups you should involve in the evaluation process include:
Therapists who will be using the technologies daily.
Senior administrators who understand the financial impact of the technology.
Researchers to evaluate the research potential of the technology.
Engineering to assess maintenance and warranty issues.
Most importantly, patients and caregivers in order to understand their true goals and priorities.
5 People Who Should Be Involved in Exoskeleton Purchase Decisions
1. Therapists: Acceptance and Responsibility
Therapists are extremely motivated to help patients recover. They commonly go above and beyond to ensure their patients reach their maximum potential. In order to embrace technological advances, they need to be included in the decision-making regarding the initial purchase of a piece of advanced technology as well as how to implement the device in their continuum of care.
When making these purchasing decisions, therapists must be responsible for evaluating the clinical utility of these technologies, such as how many therapists/aides are required for the initial setup of the device and how long the setup process takes. They need to complete a literature search to understand the known efficacy of the interventions provided by these technologies for the specific patient populations they treat. They must also put time and thought into how these devices will be implemented into their continuum of care, from inpatient rehabilitation through outpatient and community programs. This information will be a large part of their contribution to the interdisciplinary team evaluation of advanced technologies for purchase in their organization.
2. Senior administration: Cost Approval
A member of the senior administrative team must be included in the evaluation of exoskeleton purchases. This team member is responsible for understanding the financial picture of purchasing this device, including, but not limited to, the following: initial capital purchase price; ongoing maintenance, and warranty packages; and must share with the team the fiscal priorities for the organization over the next 3-5 years. It is crucial to understand not only the immediate impact of a piece of advanced technology but also to consider how this investment may or may not support the organization’s five-year strategic plan.
3. Researchers: Viability Reports
Members of the organization’s research department should provide the interdisciplinary team with a perspective of potential research gaps that exist with the advanced technology being evaluated. They, too, should complete a thorough literature review before meeting with the interdisciplinary team and reviewing potential grant opportunities. They must share their knowledge regarding the opportunity to conduct research with this specific technology and potential upcoming funding opportunities.
4. Engineers: Maintenance Expertise
Advanced rehabilitation technologies often include a complex interaction of hardware and software. When technologies are first on the market, they can often exhibit software and hardware challenges even during the first year they are acquired. They also often come with yearly warranty packages with a very hefty price tag. It’s essential for the engineering department to critically evaluate the in-house expertise they have to manage both the hardware and software of each specific piece of technology.
Many hospitals now employ mechanical and electrical engineers who may be able to troubleshoot and fix small problems that occur with these advanced technologies. Along with evaluating in-house expertise, a thorough understanding of the cost of the warranty package and its coverage is fundamental to the decision-making process.
5. End-Users: Patients and Caregivers Opinions
Patients’ and families’ perspectives are critical in making successful decisions about which types of exoskeletons the clinic should purchase. It’s important to include patients and families on this team and/or to survey patients from the various diagnostic groups in order to truly understand what type of recovery and opportunity for recovery is most important to them. Patients and families are very savvy regarding what types of advanced technologies are now available, and many anecdotally report that technology availability is included in their decision-making process when determining which rehabilitation hospital they choose for themselves or their loved ones. This information should be gathered and provided to the interdisciplinary team to be included in the decision-making process for an exoskeleton purchase.
Why We Purchased Indego Exoskeleton in Our Clinic
Our organization utilized the perspectives of the various team members reported above when purchasing the Indego exoskeleton in 2016. Craig Hospital was involved in a multi-center research study utilizing the Indego in 2015. This research opportunity provided therapists with first-hand knowledge of the system in terms of clinical utility (patient appropriateness; setup time; the number of staff required for safety), allowing them to bring a unique hands-on clinical perspective to decision-making. The therapists involved in the trial reported a very positive experience with the system and advocated for its purchase.
As an administrator, I evaluated the opportunity for integration throughout our continuum of care and assessed the financial impact regarding patient lengths of stay, outpatient benefit limits, and involvement in our community wellness program. In addition, wanting to maintain Craig’s position as a leader in spinal cord injury and traumatic brain injury rehabilitation and research (one of the foundational aspects of our five-year strategic plan) led me to support the purchase of the Indego exoskeleton.
Our research team evaluated the many gaps (bone density, recovery of walking, balance reaction training, and much more) in the literature surrounding exoskeletons and agreed there was great potential to make meaningful contributions to this field and also supported the purchase of this device. Our engineering team had experience with the system during the research study and felt comfortable with the response time and follow-through from the Parker Hannifin technical support team.
Most importantly, the subjects and families who participated in the trial really enjoyed using the device and reported that they believed this technology was among the “next steps” in neurorehabilitation and should be a part of the care we provide at Craig Hospital. Therefore, the decision from the interdisciplinary team was to purchase this device as soon as the FDA approved it for personal use.
With the increasing opportunities to provide our patients with the latest rehabilitation technologies also comes the responsibility to vet each technology carefully to ensure we’re providing our patients with an optimal opportunity for recovery while focusing on technologies that improve their quality of life.
Candy, PT, DPT, ATP, NCS is the Director of Physical Therapy at Craig Hospital. Candy received a B.S in Biology from Mount Olive College in 1997 and a Master’s in Physical Therapy from East Carolina University in 2000. She then completed a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree from Rocky Mountain Health Care University in 2008. Candy has been working in the field of neurological rehabilitation since 2000 and received an assistive technology practitioner (ATP) certification in 2005 and became a certified neurological clinical specialist (NCS) in 2007. She has been involved in numerous research projects and has focused much of her career on interventions and program development promoting recovery after neurologic injury or disease. Candy is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and the Neurologic Section.
Craig Hospital is a world-renowned, 93-bed, private, not-for-profit rehabilitation hospital and research center that specializes in the care of people who have sustained a spinal cord and/or a brain injury. Craig provides a comprehensive system of inpatient and outpatient medical care, rehabilitation, neurosurgical rehabilitative care, and long-term follow-up services. Half of Craig’s patients come from outside of Colorado. Craig has been ranked as a top 10 rehabilitation center by U.S. News and World Report for 27 consecutive years. Craig has received the NDNQI® award in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015 for the highest quality outcomes in nursing care in a rehabilitation facility. Craig was voted by employees as a “Top Work Place” by the Denver Post for the past three years and was ranked in the top 150 places to work in healthcare by Becker’s Healthcare in 2014.
The exoskeleton market has seen significant growth over the last few years and is expected to keep growing. As a result of advanced technology, several companies have risen to the top of the industry. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most incredible exoskeleton companies and startups making waves in 2023.
What Are Exoskeletons?
An exoskeleton is a wearable device that is designed to enhance human strength and performance. It is composed of a frame (worn outside the body), motors, levers, and actuators that power the exoskeleton. Exoskeletons have different applications, including health care, industrial work, and military operations.
Health care: In health care, exoskeletons are mainly used in medical rehabilitation to help patients regain movement and strength in their limbs after an injury or illness. They are used to provide support in the knee and hip joints, which allow patients to stand and walk.
Industrial Work: Exoskeletons are normally used in construction and automotive industries to reduce fatigue and the risk of injury for workers who perform repetitive tasks or heavy lifting. They are also used to increase efficiency.
Military Operations: Exoskeletons are used in military operations to enhance the physical capabilities of soldiers. They assist soldiers in carrying heavy equipment over long distances and provide extra protection during combat operations.
The Rise of the Exoskeleton Market
The exoskeleton market has been growing rapidly over the past decade and is expected to reach a valuation of 26,469.20 Million USD by 2030. That’s a compounded annual growth rate of 48.23%. [1]
This massive growth is fueled by several factors. One of the main drivers is the increasing demand for exoskeletons in medical rehabilitation. Exoskeletons have been reported to be effective rehabilitation tools in gait training, balance, and coordination. As such, they have grown in popularity as a new rehabilitation method helping patients with spinal cord injuries, stroke, and other conditions regain mobility and muscle strength.
Another factor driving the growth of the exoskeleton market is the growing use of exoskeletons in industrial settings. They are a great solution, especially for workers in the construction and automobile industries who complete a lot of overhead work and repetitive tasks. Exoskeletons help increase efficiency and productivity while reducing the risk of injury. Some companies like Ford have even made exoskeletons a mandatory part of their personal protective equipment (PPE).
The military is also a significant market for exoskeletons. They utilize exoskeletons in combat to enhance the physical capabilities of soldiers and to reduce the risk of injury. With the help of exoskeletons, soldiers can easily carry heavy weapons and equipment over long distances without overexertion.
Furthermore, there is also a growing interest in exoskeletons for personal use in sports, entertainment, and for individuals with mobility impairments.
Medical Exoskeleton Companies in 2023 To Keep an Eye On
The following is a compilation of notable exoskeleton companies making significant strides within the industry presented in no particular order:
Bionik Laboratories
Bionik Laboratories creates arm and hand retraining robotics for occupational and physical therapy treatments. It was co-founded by Michal Prywata in 2010 and is located in Toronto, Canada. Their leading solution is InMotion Therapy which is an upper extremity rehabilitation exoskeleton for patients with neurological injuries.
Cyberdyne
Cyberdyne is a Japanese company that was founded in 2004. It is located in Gakuen-Minami, Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It specializes in the development of robotic exoskeletons, which augment the abilities of people with mobility impairments, such as paralysis or muscle weakness. Their flagship product is the HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) exoskeleton, which uses brain signals to help people recovering from spinal cord injuries or other forms of paralysis to stand and walk. Cyberdyne also develops other products, such as the HAL for elder care, which is used to help elderly people with mobility impairments.
Ekso Bionics
Ekso Bionics was created by Homayoon Kazerooni in 2005 and is located in San Rafael, California. It’s one of the biggest medical exoskeleton manufacturers with use in over 400 centers globally. It was one of the first companies to receive FDA approval for its medical exoskeleton. EksoNR, their flagship product, is used for physical therapy for patients with stroke, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, or traumatic brain injury. A lot of research has been conducted to test the effectiveness of their exoskeletons in improving mobility and quality of life for people with disabilities, as well as to explore new applications for the technology.
Recently, Ekso Bionics acquired Indego Exoskeletons, a creation of Parker Hannifin. This acquisition will see it maintain its position as one of the best companies in the market.
Honda
Honda, the developer, and supplier of motorcycles, automobiles, and power equipment, was established by Takeo Fujisawa and Soichiro Honda in 1948. As unlikely as it may seem, Honda doesn’t just create cars and motorcycles. It also creates a lightweight exoskeleton that is designed to help people with moving difficulties. The Honda Walking Assist is a lightweight exoskeleton designed for individuals who can walk but have gait deficits resulting from a stroke. It is worn around the waist and legs and helps improve walking patterns, allowing users to walk faster and farther. It is also believed to help with neuromuscular recovery when used in a clinical setting by trained healthcare professionals.
Ottobock
Ottobock was founded in 1919 by Otto Bock and is headquartered in Duderstadt, Germany. Ottobock is popularly known for its prosthetics but joined the exoskeleton industry by acquiring SuitX. Ottobock produces exoskeletons that are aimed at the professional audience. In the medical field, it produces exoskeletons for surgeons to help reduce fatigue, tremor, and long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
Rewalk Robotics
ReWalk Robotics, located in Marlborough, MA, was founded in 2001 by Amit Goffer, an Israeli engineer. His personal experience inspired his invention after he was paralyzed in an ATV accident in 1997. ReWalk helps individuals with spinal cord injuries stand and walk. It is controlled by a computer and powered by motors at the hip and knee joints. The ReWalk is intended to provide users with increased mobility, independence, and improved quality of life.
Rex Bionics
Rex Bionics is a robotics company that creates lower-limb exoskeletons for people recovering from spinal cord injuries. It was launched in 2003 and is headquartered in Rosedale, New Zealand.
Fast-Rising Medical Exoskeleton Startups
Fourier Intelligence
Fourier Intelligence was founded in 2015 and is located in Shanghai, China. It has an estimated funding of 83 Million USD and offers exoskeleton rehabilitation for upper and lower limbs. Its flagship product is the ExoAtlet II, which helps patients with SCI, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy improve their gait, balance, coordination, and independence.
Seismic
Seismic is a robotics company that takes a unique approach to strength augmentation. It creates apparel that helps increase muscle strength in the elderly population. This technology can be worn under any apparel to augment strength and increase the natural movement of muscles and joints. Seismic was founded in 2015 and is located in Menlo Park, USA, with an estimated funding of 16 Million USD.
Trexo Robotics
Trexo Robotics is a robotics company that specifically focuses on children with disabilities. Its flagship product is a battery-operated exoskeleton for children with a diagnosis of cerebral palsy, brain injury, paraplegia, spinal cord injury, Rett syndrome, neuromuscular disease, stroke, hemiplegia, or degenerative lower extremity joint disease. Their product is versatile and can be attached to other walkers and gait trainers. Trexo Robotics was founded in 2016 and is located in Mississauga, Canada, with an estimated funding of 2 Million USD.
Wandercraft
Wandercraft was founded in 2012 and is located in Paris, France. It has an estimated funding of 67 Million USD. Its flagship product is Atalante X, which enables people with reduced mobility and neuromuscular disorders to walk again.
Conclusion
This is in no way a comprehensive list of the many exoskeleton companies making a difference out there. These are just a few examples of the companies that have caught our attention. And as exoskeletons continue to improve and become more widely adopted, we’re likely to see a bigger surge in demand and a transformation in how we live and work. It’s an exciting time, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Ekso Bionics is a leading manufacturer of rehabilitation exoskeleton technology with more than a decade of experience in helping patients walk again. Our medical exoskeletons are used in more than 400 rehabilitation centers worldwide, and if you’d like to learn more or talk to us, visit our contact page today.
