Category: Exoskeletons

A spinal cord injury (SCI) is defined as damage to any part of the spinal cord itself or to the nerves at the end of the spinal canal. These are generally traumatic injuries caused by external forces like heavy blows or cuts to the spine. Automobile accidents are the most common causes, with motorcycle accidents in the lead.

The most frequent consequence of this kind of injury is a lack of neural communication at and below the injury level, which typically results in a loss of motor function or sensation. If the injury is severe enough, it may even result in permanent alterations to muscle tissues. Losing the ability to use lower extremities naturally leads to a great loss of physical activity, which also puts patients with SCI at greater risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disorders. Even when these individuals do exercise, their cardiovascular response may be impaired.

Naturally, these changes have an enormous impact on the quality of life for patients and could even get in the way of the activities of daily living. Unfortunately, these injuries aren’t especially rare, either, with an estimated 17,700 new cases per year in the United States. The traumatic nature of these injuries makes them different from some forms of acquired brain injuries (ABIs), which can have similar consequences, including lower limb disability. ABIs, however, more frequently stem  from internal sources, such as strokes or neurological disorders.

There is hope, however, for spinal cord injury patients to make recoveries. Clinical trials and advancements in medical exoskeleton technology are helping patients relearn to walk with assisted gait training. Here are some examples of these exoskeleton programs and the effects they have on wearers.

EksoGT©

Ekso Bionics is the world leader in wearable robotic exoskeletons. Our exoskeleton technology is used in a variety of industries, including both medical use and industrial applications. Lately, however, Ekso has been making more moves on the medical scene with lower limb powered exoskeletons that can help patients with stroke, ABIs, and SCIs.

Our first exoskeleton to be used in a clinical setting with physical therapists was the eLEGS model or Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System. It allowed patients with paraplegia to stand and walk in a straight line. We made a significant upgrade in 2013 with our EksoGT model, which was the first robotic exoskeleton to be cleared by the FDA to be used with patients with stroke and those with SCI. This rehabilitation device was the first of its kind to apply adaptive amounts of power to either side of a patient’s body, which allowed patients to experience longer training sessions and to challenge themselves. This feature was especially useful for patients with stroke, who may experience pusher syndrome, a situation where stroke patients tend to weight shift to one side of their body. This model helped patients retain upright posture and spend more time standing throughout their entire session.

In 2020, a study came out about the energy cost and psychological impact of exoskeleton assisted gait training for patients with SCI. In this study, the EksoGT model was compared directly with the Lokomat stationary treadmill system. 15 SCI patients with varying degrees of injury were chosen to participate in gait therapy using these two devices. At the beginning of the study, each patient underwent three sessions on both devices. Afterward, each patient was assigned 17 additional gait training sessions on one of the two assistive devices. Outcomes being measured were the level of oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production, metabolic equivalents, walking economy, and heart rate when using the assistive devices.

Overall the EksoGT model showed higher metabolic responses as well as higher scores of fatigue, both mentally and physically compared to the Lokomat. All patients showed improvement in walking economy, and both methods scored high on psychological and emotional satisfaction.

EksoNR©

Currently, the EksoNR wearable robotic exoskeleton is being used in rehabilitation centers and is billed as the go-to next step in neurorehabilitation. EksoNR is the first robotic exoskeleton to achieve Food and Drug Administration clearance to treat patients with stroke, SCI, and ABI. It is currently considered the most effective option for retraining a patient’s brain and muscles to walk again, and it has demonstrated real results with clinicians in helping patients transition from wheelchairs to crutches and, eventually, their own feet.

EksoNR has a variety of features that make it superior to previous models. It still attaches comfortably to the torso, hips, and legs to provide excellent support to hip joints, knee joints, and ankle joints. No other robot model provides more options for weight and posture support to ensure that patients are always getting the most out of their rehabilitation sessions. Smart sensors are able to continuously monitor gait patterns to regulate leg movements and prevent compensatory patterns. Clinicians can also set training goals in real-time to monitor assistance levels in each leg based on patient feedback. SmartAssist software can even support various impairment levels, ranging from full walking assistance to reacting to patient-initiated movements with a high degree of freedom.

The EksoNR program also comes with PreGait, a rehabilitation software suite that can help patients practice standing, shifting weight, test out knee motion, and step in place, all before they actually begin their gait training. This can ease patients into the idea of walking in an exoskeleton, help with building confidence, and encourage patients to make the most out of sessions. The fact that EksoNR requires active participation from all patients is proven to help promote brain plasticity, making it easier to train the brain and muscles to work again. 

Lastly, the EksoNR program allows advanced users or patients with more strength and coordination to walk with added resistance on one or both legs.  In this FreeGait mode, patients can also work on motor planning without the robotic trajectory.  This enables patients to work on increasing endurance, enhancing their cardiovascular output, and gaining speed during walking. 

The Future

If you are interested in bringing these robotic devices to your clinical practice, you can request more information or a demo from an Ekso Bionics expert. Ekso takes partnerships with clinicians seriously and will work to make your experience the best it can be. There are always new technology advancements coming out, too. With further research and development, there’s little doubt that the future for SCI and other neuro-affected patients will look even brighter.

Exoskeleton technology is an up-and-coming field that has already helped thousands of individuals across the globe. Thanks to the research and developments at Ekso Bionics, wearers of these vests and robots have newfound mobility that can help in all sorts of areas. Whether you are recovering from an injury or working to prevent one, there are countless ways exoskeletons can help improve your life and your industry.

Of course, new robotics and exoskeletons aren’t an investment you can take lightly. They are just that, an investment. It is important that you know what you’re getting yourself into before you jump in. Overall a robot exoskeleton helps the wearer increase their mobility after paralysis, give extra power to certain limbs, increase endurance, help with fatigue from repetitive movement, and aid in heavy lifting. Power exoskeletons can help all kinds of professionals from physical therapists to warehouse foremen. Understanding the logistics is the first step to deciding if exoskeletons have industry applications you can benefit from. Here are a few of the industries we believe need access to exoskeletons to help with their work and will benefit the most from the assistance.

Healthcare

While there are a lot of different branches and areas of healthcare that we will get into in a moment, there are general applications for exoskeletons and Ekso bionics within hospitals and clinics. Medical exoskeletons are great in clinical settings. The biggest example is for stroke victims that are relearning how to walk with a natural gait without a crutch. The exoskeleton has sensors that can connect to your spinal cord, knee joint, ankle joint, waist, or thighs. Because our wearable robotic exoskeletons come in different shapes and sizes, clinicians can adjust the assistive device to aid patients in different ways. This clinical setting provides actual results for stroke victims, individuals dealing with a loss of mobility, or those in rehabilitation from surgery. It is a new way to give care to patients without discomfort by allowing them a sense of freedom with lightweight designs and personalized assistive devices.

Physical Therapy

Out of all the clinicians who will benefit from a bionic exoskeleton, physical therapists have more opportunities than anyone else. Patients in physical therapy are working to loosen joints, recover from athletic or workplace injuries, or just going through neurorehabilitation. Physical therapists can combine exercises with exoskeleton technology to provide actual results for their patient progress. Rehabilitation devices and robotic technology help patients get back to their normal mobility and joint flexibility in no time because the wearable robot can challenge patients without causing overexertion. Whether it is for personal use or clinical trials, this technology can clearly benefit rehabilitation centers and the world of physical therapy.

Disability Management

Innovative technology from the industry leaders is creating progress and going beyond what was previously thought possible. For individuals with a disability, spinal cord injury patients, or wheelchair users, walking or standing on their own may seem like a distant memory. But thanks to exoskeletons, disabled patients may actually get the chance to return to activities of daily living. Strapped into an exoskeleton robot, these individuals can remain in a stand position or even start taking a few steps. By helping the lower limbs function and connect with the spinal cord, these individuals can make progress toward regaining some degree of freedom. While there are still uncertainties and each case of a spinal cord injury is different, this is a huge step in the right direction for disability management and motor function. Progress in these human capabilities can lead to a better quality of life for patients.

Construction

Switching gears from injury management to injury prevention leads us to many other industries that can benefit from a robotic exoskeleton. One of the first areas is on a construction job site. Construction workers are tasked with doing continuous, draining physical labor. They are expected to move heavy pieces of rubble, hammer away for hours, and stay on their feet for an entire shift. The body is only built to withstand so much and can easily get fatigued over time. Wearable robotics are lightweight and can provide support to construction workers during heavy lifting and repetitive movements. This will aid productivity in the overall site and prevent injury. Lower the time it takes to finish a task by providing your workers with an extra power source and much-needed strength. You can see improvements in real-time and help guarantee your team does not get overworked.

Warehouse Work

Similar to construction, warehouse work and distribution is an industry that Ekso bionics was specifically designed for. This field revolves around constantly carrying and moving heavy loads. Do not let your employees break their back spending the whole shift in an industrial setting with no assistance. Utilize the help of Ekso to adopt wearable vests or exoskeletons that help give extra strength in these situations. A partnership with Ekso will show your employees that you have their back. You want to reduce the number of risks within a warehouse setting. Rather than letting people overexert themselves or do repetitive movements with no reprieve, give them a tool that will make all those tasks easier on the body.

Repetitive Jobs with Heavy Loads

While industrial settings like construction sites and warehouses benefit most from such devices, other fields involve repetitive movement and heavy lifting that will benefit from exoskeleton technology. Any time you are putting the body in a strenuous position, it can be useful to rely on an exoskeleton robot to help you. It lowers risks and helps productivity in many different ways. If these tasks are involved in your industry, this may be a good solution for you.

Whether you are using exoskeletons for clinical use or within the workplace, you are sure to enjoy the benefits of this innovative, new technology. Trust Ekso Bionics to get your industry where it needs to go with advanced software and a human touch. We can’t wait to help you with whatever you may need.

Walking is something that many individuals take for granted. You can simply get out of bed in the morning, walk to your bathroom, and not have to deal with any uncertainties or major limitations as you go about your day. For individuals recovering from a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain trauma, these simple acts can be tremendously difficult.

Rehabilitation centers exist to help get patients back home as quickly as possible, so they can get back to a relatively normal life. Physical therapists work with these individuals in a clinic setting to help with gait training, endurance, and oftentimes learning to walk again. Exciting developments in the world of neurorehabilitation are opening the door for these patients to recover more quickly and get back to normal daily activities.

Ekso Bionics takes pride in being an industry leader for robotic exoskeletons. Our wearable robots are helping patients get out of their wheelchairs and back to walking on their own. A partnership between Ekso Bionics and trained physical therapists can help improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life for these individuals. EksoNR has gone through clinical trials and is an exoskeleton technology specifically designed to help with neurorehabilitation. We believe this technology is changing the future of wearable robotics and can have a dramatic impact on rehab centers across the globe.

Robotic Exoskeletons for Neurorehabilitation

EksoNR is the next step toward freedom and innovation with wearable robots in rehab facilities. Our creative design and unique software allows patients to practice their gait and track their progress. Clinicians can work one-on-one with patients to track their goals, modify assistance levels, and give real-time feedback. Unlike basic exoskeletons, EksoNR adapts to the patient’s body and level of activity. It also supports posture, so all joints are aligned, and won’t contribute to muscle fatigue. This innovative wearable device works with the patient to move through a natural range of motion, depending on condition, level of ability, or patient readiness. This individuality and progressive nature will provide lasting results that can be monumental for your patient population.

Different Levels of Freedom

What sets the innovative design of EksoNR apart is the different levels of freedom the wearable device can provide throughout patient progress. Some exoskeletons will completely support the full body weight and not allow patients any level of contribution or room for improvement. But if they always have a crutch, how will they ever get away from the rehabilitative tool?

Instead, EksoNR allows for a progressive strategy. When a patient first starts working with robotic technologies in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, the device may provide a majority of the walking power. But as a patient becomes more comfortable and gains balance, strength, and coordination, the exoskeleton can adjust and simply offer minimal support instead of doing all the work. It grows with the patient as their gait training progresses, and they’re able to walk more independently. This helps get real results instead of allowing for complacency or hitting plateaus.

Physical Therapist and FDA Approved

Ekso is leading the field in rehabilitation innovations. As the first FDA-approved wearable robot to help with brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke rehabilitation, EksoNR is ahead of the competition. Physical therapists also back the product because this new technology is supported by clinical research and allows them to progress their patients quickly, safely, and effectively. Our wearable robotic exoskeleton has been approved for clinical practice where patients of different shapes, sizes, and ability levels can experience the freedom of walking once again.

Benefits and Outcomes

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are all about setting goals and meeting those outcome measures. With innovative rehabilitative tools, each wearer will reap the benefits of EksoNR. When relearning to walk after a stroke or brain trauma, finding balance can be tricky for your patient. Because the exoskeleton robot assists the lower limbs and torso, the patient will be supported every step of the way, literally. Your patient can start by working on a functional level of balance with this medical device.

After your patient is up and standing, it’s time for them to take their exciting first steps. Chances are that their gait may be a little off due to the neurological trauma. Our exoskeleton will provide the proper gait mechanics to help the patient earn and gain mobility at their own pace. Eventually, performing leg movements and walking for a significant length of time without muscle fatigue will be possible. EksoNR will also help with gait symmetry and eventually lower the patient’s dependence on the exoskeleton until walking unassisted is achieved.

Relearning a physical activity can be mentally and physically taxing. At first, your patient may not be able to walk far or stay in a standing position for a significant length of time. But the use of these devices will eventually have them walking long distances without assistance if their injury allows for that. It takes time and dedication, but our tools can help your patients see actual results after a few rehabilitation sessions.

EksoNR is changing lives.

If you think EksoNR sounds too good to be true, we’re here to assure you that it isn’t. There are many real-life examples of this technology changing lives. Follow this story from Promedica Total Rehab of a gentleman who experienced a stroke just before Christmas. When he felt his whole left side go numb, he knew it was time to go to the hospital. After almost a month of intense medical treatment and physical therapy, he walked out on his own accord. Thanks to exoskeleton technology, this stroke survivor was able to make a full recovery, regain his natural gait, and go back home to a normal life.

If you work at a rehabilitation center for individuals suffering from a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury, see if the usability of innovative wearable robots may be a good option for your patients to overcome any disability. Working with Ekso can give your neurologically injured or stroke patients find renewed hope that their life can continue as normal. This also has immense psychological benefits that they can conquer anything. We firmly believe that our company’s technology can make a huge difference for your rehabilitation centers and the lives of your patients.

When you think of robotics, you probably picture a free-roaming robot that helps you with your household chores. While that may have been the picture old Sci-Fi movies painted, modern applications of robotic technology are actually much cooler and more practical. At Ekso Bionics, our scientists and technicians work tirelessly to create exoskeleton technology with industrial applications that stretch the limits of human capabilities.

A wearable robot gives you new comfort and abilities while performing repetitive tasks without limitations. Industrial workers can improve their endurance and get actual results without worrying about worker fatigue. Our commitment is to help job sites become safer and more efficient. Ekso Bionics has seen actual results when it comes to alleviating the risks of workplace injuries. We are proud to be an industry leader and leading developer of exoskeleton solutions. Your business matters to you, so your industrial workers matter to us. Here are just a few ways our revolutionary EVO design can help reduce the number of risks within your industrial workplace.

The Evolution of EVO

EVO is a new vest that is designed to provide power without any pain. This design is not our first iteration of innovative wearable robots. The EksoVest was our first vest designed for industrial use. After years in the field, we gained tremendous insights into how we could make it better. By fixing uncertainties and making the product more durable, EVO is shaping the evolution of industrial exoskeletons. With enhanced comfort, reduced heat, and increased flexibility, these new features are ready to prevent muscle strain, overexertion, and fatigue.

It helps with heavy lifting.

Normally, industrial workers need to be tough and strong because their job revolves around heavy-lifting and ruggedness. However, if you spend your day lifting incorrectly or hoisting heavy objects above your head, this can be a leading cause of back or shoulder injuries. That’s where Ekso EVO comes in. By strapping on this exoskeleton, your overhead work becomes a breeze. You aren’t responsible for taking all the weight any more thanks to this technology solution that helps bear the weight. Sharing the load is a programmatic solution to reduce your risk of serious injuries.

It cuts down on fatigue.

Workdays can easily get repetitive and tiring. When you’re constantly using the same muscles, they can undergo general wear and tear. The burden of repetitive work leads to higher risks for work-related injuries. When you get tired or fatigued, you just don’t work as effectively, and you may lose focus on your company’s operations. The next step is finding a solution to help you feel less fatigued and increase your endurance. An EVO device works with the natural movement of the body to help with your day-to-day use. This way, you aren’t causing extra strain on certain joints that you’re working all day. The exoskeleton gives you an added boost when you need it most and is almost like a crutch to help you get through all your projects.

Works smarter, not harder.

Some global manufacturing companies may think they can operate without the added assistance, but the point is, you don’t have to. Every workplace has a number of injury risks, even for the most skilled workers. The result of these risks can be a serious injury which will be seen as your company’s failure. Instead of waiting a significant length of time hoping disruptions never occur, start working smarter now.

EVO, along with our other additional technology and exoskeleton solutions, prioritizes working smarter, not harder. Because these vests offer a wide range of movement that goes with your natural joints and muscles, it simply acts as an aid. With an unrestricted range of motion, you can operate as normal, just with a buffer to help you carry the load. This allows your body to operate the way it’s supposed to, so you don’t put added strain on your muscles and joints.

Lightweight solutions work with you, not against you.

Past upper-body exoskeleton devices offered results but could be cumbersome and uncomfortable for the wearer. These devices are supposed to help you with your work, not be a heavy load itself. The new EVO design is the ideal solution. More lightweight than ever, EVO shows a commitment to work with you instead of causing an extra burden. The flexibility also boasts an unrestricted range of motion without any hassle. Our design is created to withstand the test of time. Even after millions of cycles and movements, the device architecture will remain intact. EVO’s novel design took the adverse results from its predecessor and now offers a better user experience.

It offers support to past injuries.

While you’re working to reduce the number of workplace injuries at your company’s supply chain, you can’t go back in time to stop any past injuries your workers have endured. If you have team members with trouble areas from past injuries at other companies, EVO can help them going forward. Our company’s products are backed by physical therapists and can help the quality of life and work for individuals recovering from injury. Every day strain or the burden of repetitive work may be extra risky for these individuals, so a rehabilitative upper-body exoskeleton can help them work more efficiently without fear of exacerbating an injury.

Could Ekso EVO help your industry?

As one of the first companies to develop these exoskeletons, we believe EVO’s innovative design can have a vast impact on many different industries. If you’re reevaluating your company’s business plans, consider how this new acquisition model can offer faster results for your numbers. Rehabilitative tools will reduce the risk of injury, increase endurance and motivation for your employees, and show you care about their overall wellbeing. Fields like manufacturing, construction, and general industrial work could use innovative ways to help workers with overall productivity. We truly believe there are potential benefits for your organization to utilize Ekso Bionics. Stop doing hard work when our ergonomics have produced actual results in multiple field evaluations. We are here to help you reduce the risk of workplace injury and improve the overall effectiveness of the company.

Suffering from a traumatic brain injury can be a life-changing event. Depending on the complications, you could experience paralysis, brain trauma, or have to adjust to a completely different pace of life. Recovering from spinal cord injury, serious accident, or a stroke, usually requires many sessions of physical therapy at rehabilitation centers to learn how to walk again and get back to daily activities. The strain of recovery can also lead to challenges and different perspectives within the clinic setting.

Physical therapy is a journey that patients go through to regain motivation and the ability to go back to the activities of daily living. Therapists work one-on-one with clients to help them find this sense of hope. Luckily, innovators have come up with new tools and robotics to help with this recovery treatment. A partnership with medical exoskeletons can help shift perspectives and hit new milestones to help with patient endurance and speed of rehabilitation. A wearable robot offers individual freedom and gait training that gives spinal cord and brain injured or stroke patients a strategy and path to reach their full potential.

At Ekso Bionics, we work diligently to improve our exoskeleton technology so physical therapists can use our innovative wearable robots to help patients take their next steps towards recovery, literally. We believe in putting the power in the patients’ hands and helping to challenge the physical limits and human capabilities in neurorehabilitation. Our powered exoskeletons can be the intervention you need to find success and take your rehabilitation centers to the next level and help more people than ever.

Reasons a patient may need neurorehabilitation.

Neurorehabilitation is all about helping patients relearn how their bodies should function after serious trauma. There are multiple reasons why a patient may need this assistance. After surviving a stroke or serious car accident, your limbs, muscles, and joints may not be ready for extensive use or have much endurance. Patients can experience fatigue after standing for a short time or they may have trouble with weight shifts or gait training. Rehab and physical therapy can help individuals regain these motor functions and lead to improved outcomes for the patient.

Consider mental barriers as well as physical ones.

Patients who have suffered a spinal cord injury, brain trauma, or a stroke are working to overcome physical limitations caused by their accidents. However, what many people may not realize are the mental barriers that these patients may also need to overcome. They may be carrying a heavy load of depression or anxiety because of the huge changes to their lives and the uncertainties involved in their situation. As clinicians or physical therapists, it’s important to consider this perspective as well. How can you help rehabilitate the mind and the body? The best way to see significant improvement in rehab centers is by helping the patient find motivation, hope, and a sense of independence once again. We believe exoskeletons can contribute positively to these psychological benefits.

How Ekso bionics and EksoNR can help.

Ekso is proud to produce the only exoskeleton that is FDA-approved for medical use with brain injury and the first exoskeleton approved for spinal cord injury and stroke rehabilitation. As an industry leader in medical device products, our EksoNR design is a medical exoskeleton that allows patients to provide as much power as they can while only filling in the patient’s deficit.. Other robotic technology is much more restrictive and doesn’t include advanced features like added resistance and backwards walking. The EksoNR medical device works with the patients’ joints to help the wearer gain confidence in their gait and walking improvements. Our wearable robotics are adaptable and offer real-time adjustments and posture support throughout rehabilitation. We designed the exoskeleton to help patients eventually walk without it. After all, a rehabilitative device shouldn’t be necessary forever, as long as you can see actual results and improvements.

Putting the power back in patients’ hands.

One of the best ways to increase potential benefits and help motivate your patients to find a perspective of optimism is to put the power back in their hands. A robotic exoskeleton works as a rehabilitative device with settings to ultimately challenge patients to regain their mobility. After working with a therapist and a wearable device at a clinical practice for a few rehabilitation sessions, your patient should be able to support their bodyweight for a longer duration, experience less muscle fatigue, and walk for a significant length of time without the dependence on an exoskeleton device. Not only does this help with patient progress for physical activities, but it can help patients feel confident and optimistic about their future once again.

Allowing for a challenge and gaining actual results.

The adaptability of robotic exoskeletons allows for physical therapists to challenge patients in new ways. The first time your patients use wearable robotics, it may help them focus on staying in a standing position and holding up their body weight for longer than they can without the EksoNR. Session two can be about taking a few steps. After multiple days in the rehabilitation institute, you’ll see significant improvement for your patients as they walk hundreds or thousands of steps with minimal assistance from the power source. The advanced technology within the wearable exoskeleton allows you to adjust the assistance and walking parameters at any given moment. By challenging your patients, you’ll see actual results and help the human body reach its full potential.

But don’t just take our word for it, check out this story about a young lady whose life has been changed thanks to Ekso Bionics. Kylie was injured in a serious accident that left her in a coma. Working with Ekso allowed her to grow and adapt to her new lifestyle. After only a few rehabilitation sessions with the exoskeleton system, she was able to take over 1,000 steps with a more natural gait. Her team of doctors and therapists spoke to the benefits of EksoNR helping her find optimism, focus, and motivation. These robot suits offer help with a physical disability, but also give new perspectives and encouragement as well.

Take the next steps with us.

If you think an exoskeleton device may be a great new technology for your rehabilitation institute and clinical use, check out our robotic exoskeleton today. Our company’s technology is helping stroke survivors, accident victims, and individuals with spinal cord injuries take their next steps toward healing, literally and figuratively. Our smart assist software can help you see greater improvement in the lives of your patient population. Don’t let neurologic conditions stop your patients from a great quality of life. See how wearable robotic exoskeletons can make a difference in your clinical practice.

Ekso Bionics is the world leader in providing exoskeleton technology that improves quality of life and enhances human capabilities. Their first exosuit, HULC, was used in military applications and allowed soldiers to carry heavy loads across long distances and at greater speeds. Since then, they’ve continued to build on their robotic suit offerings, and they’re still used by DARPA to this day.

Ekso has also branched into neurorehabilitation and physical therapy. With their EksoNR program, stroke patients, those with acquired brain injuries, and even patients suffering paraplegia from incomplete spinal cord injuries (SCI) can be trained to walk again and regain their natural gait. More and more often, however, Ekso Bionics is bringing its expertise to industrial applications, such as wearables and robot tools for construction workers, manufacturing, and the automotive industry. Here are just a few of their most successful products for industrial applications and how they’re leading to safer practices.

EksoVest

Constructions workers and other industry employees are at greater risk for workplace injuries compared to most of the population. In addition to the physical pain and mental stress caused to the injured worker, workplace injuries also cost productivity and can lower employee morale. Such injuries are most commonly caused by overexertion and worker fatigue. EksoWorks believes that all workplace injuries are preventable.

The EksoVest is the original upper body wearable technology that provides lift assistance and increased endurance for workers. The vest wraps around workers like a harness, connecting near the hips and once again at the upper arm. It supports worker’s arms through repetitive motions and heavy lifting. The vest is probably most well-known thanks to its test run with the Ford group. The Ford Motor Company used the EksoVest to help assembly line workers perform overhead tasks, such as installing oil filters in vehicles, for increased periods of time. It greatly reduced the physical toll of the vehicle assembly process, and feedback from these tests was used to improve the vest even further.

Ekso EVO

This is the modern evolution of the EksoVest. Boasting the tagline “power without the pain,” EVO is a durable and comfortable vest the assists workers with tasks at chest height and overhead work alike. EVO provides greater temperature control than the original model, and it can track the full range of movement, so even extreme movements are totally unrestricted.

In addition to the assembly improvements, EVO is still a spring-loaded suit that requires no batteries or power whatsoever, so workers can take it on a tough job anywhere without having to worry. EVO even allows workers to toggle how weight is balanced on each shoulder, so they’re in complete control and can adjust settings without any help.

Ekso ZeroG

This solution is essentially a robot arm that workers can use to carry and hold heavy tools. It can be deployed anywhere, but it’s mainly used for aerial jobs, such as on construction scaffolding. The arm supports a wide variety of tools weighing up to 42 lbs including rotary hammers, rivet busters, grinders, drills, and more.

Like EVO, this is an entirely spring-loaded solution, so workers don’t have to worry about lugging around a power supply for deployment. The arms essentially transfer the weight from the tool into its base and then into the ground, so workers can experience a true sense of weightlessness when using the tools. This includes virtually zero-effort tool movement as well. At this time, it can be safely mounted to aerial work platforms and scaffolding, but as the technology advances, it will likely be mountable on other surfaces in the future.

Combining EVO and ZeroG will provide your workforce with everything they need to cut down on incident rates, improve performance, and boost morale.

Contact Ekso Bionics

Exoskeletons and robots may sound as though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they don’t. Exoskeletons belong right here, among the millions of people experiencing the effects of neurological and physical injuries leading to weakness and paralysis. To learn more about the newest exosuit technology and how they can help your application, reach out to the Ekso Bionics team today.

Physical therapists and clinicians are a vital part of the rehabilitation process for many different kinds of patients. Whether an individual is recovering from spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, or strokes, patients need assistance when relearning how to perform everyday functions–such as standing or walking. While rehabilitation centers have been around for many years, new innovations in wearable robots and exosuits are revolutionizing the field.

Lightweight robotic exosuits have numerous benefits for physical therapy patients, as well as rehabilitation sciences. This technology provides assistance to a patient’s joints and limbs while relearning how to walk within a clinical setting. With the help of mechanical power, stroke survivors and other patients can get back a sense of freedom with increased mobility. Gone are the days of wheelchairs and crutches, instead, patients have the opportunity to strap into exoskeleton robotics until they eventually get back to a normal walking speed on their own. After many clinical trials, physical therapists around the globe can now take advantage of the tech innovations our exosuits provide.

Benefits for Physical Therapy

So what makes exoskeletons different? When it comes to rehabilitation, there have been plenty of wearable tools to help patients get back on the treadmill and sensors to help gauge levels of improvement. But these tools addressed only individual problem areas and were limited in their ability to recreate a person’s full range of motion. Ekso’s exosuit technology works with your natural range of motion and offers assistive force with broad applicability. Robotic exoskeletons help with neurorehabilitation and physical therapy in innovative ways that offer an immediate effect and benefit.

Expanding a Patient’s Natural Gait

For stroke patients or individuals relearning how to walk, there can be mental blocks as well as physical difficulties associated with the learning process.  With a wearable robot, study participants can explore a new level of freedom and embrace their natural gait. Rather than following a rigid gait pattern of traditional suits, exosuit technology has functional textiles that assist your natural gait patterns rather than rewriting them. An exosuit will guarantee you are learning to rewalk without stressing or harming any other joints or muscles. The assistive force also helps patients with walking farther and endurance for standing positions. A patient’s gait mechanics are key to finding a sense of normalcy with their walking, and exosuit tech innovations are the tool to help patients meet these important outcomes.

Adjust A Patient’s Challenge Level in Real-time

Every physical therapist understands that in order to improve, a patient must be challenged physically to build strength, flexibility, and endurance. An exosuit can adjust to the level needed in real-time. Exoskeletons allow for the therapist to adjust the level of support provided to patients as they progress with treatment. So as patients improve, they will rely on the technology less and learn to walk without assistance. This increases the success of patient outcomes.

EksoNR is FDA Approved for Rehabilitation

Ekso takes pride in being a leader in the field of exoskeleton technology for all industries. We are taking critical steps to help improve the lives of stroke survivors and other injured persons. We are proud to say that our EksoNR is FDA approved as a rehab tool for physical therapists. After exploratory study, we are excited to help your patients take their next critical step to rewalking within stroke rehabilitation, brain injury recovery, or spinal cord injury recovery. The promise of the exosuit technology and other advancements can make a difference for your patients in a multitude of ways.

Contact Ekso Bionics

Exoskeletons and robots may sound as though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they don’t. Exoskeletons belong right here, among the millions of people experiencing the effects of neurological and physical injuries leading to weakness and paralysis. To learn more about the newest exosuit technology and how they can help your application, reach out to the Ekso Bionics team today.

Workers in the manufacturing and construction industries are at high risk for injuries compared to workers in most other fields. Repetitive strain injuries and workplace injuries due to fatigue are just a few of the possibilities. Beyond the inherent pain and stress that job site injuries cause, not to mention the medical expenses, there are also issues of lost productivity and lowered morale to consider. Naturally, supervisors and workers at an industrial site want to prevent as many injuries as possible. Ekso Bionics believes that all workplace injuries are preventable, and their wearable exoskeletons can help.

While exoskeletons are known in pop culture thanks to their appearances in Sci-Fi and other media, their ability-enhancing uses are, in fact, a reality. They won’t give you the near-superpower capabilities of Iron Man, but they can improve physical capabilities beyond what the human body is typically capable of. Ekso’s first wearable exoskeleton was known as HULC, and it was designed for military applications, allowing soldiers to carry heavy loads over long distances and with increased mobility. To this day, Ekso assists with military exoskeletons used by DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency). Their wearable robots are also used for rehabilitation purposes to help patients with incomplete SCI, stroke patients, and people with neurological disorders to regain their walking ability.

More and more commonly, however, exosuits are being used in the construction industry to support wearer’s joints during heavy physical activity. Here are a couple of the industrial exo models and how they help users.

Ekso EVO

This industrial exoskeleton is an evolution of the original EksoVest that was tested by Ford and other industry leaders. EksoVest was a lightweight exoskeleton, sometimes called a soft exosuit, that provided upper-body support to help cut down on overexertion, the most common cause of construction injuries. The EksoVest wearable was largely praised by workers for its assistance with specific tasks, particularly with overhead work, but EVO provides even greater support with a full range of motion and unparalleled comfort.

Boasting the tagline “power without pain,” the EVO exoskeleton is spring-loaded and designed for numerous industrial applications. It essentially wraps around a worker like a harness and supports their upper limbs for repetitive tasks and positions that are difficult to maintain. Consider overhead tasks in the automotive industry, for example. These jobs often require workers to raise their arms above their heads for hours per day, often lifting and installing heavy filters. EVO exoskeleton technology helps distribute this weight into the user’s hips and legs instead of wearing the shoulder joint.

EVO also has minimal contact points with workers, wrapping around near the hips and connecting only at the upper arms. This not only allows for a full range of motion but also ensures high-quality airflow, keeping workers cooled and comfortable. Industry leaders across the U.S. are using EVO to reduce worker fatigue and prevent injuries on site.

Ekso ZeroG

Ekso’s ZeroG is a robotic arm that assists workers with lifting heavy tools at aerial job sites, like construction scaffolding. The passive exoskeleton system is able to hold heavy tools like rivet busters, grinders, rotary hammers, and more weighing up to 42 lbs. Like EVO, this robot arm is spring-loaded and can be taken virtually anywhere without any concern for power supply.

The arm can be mounted virtually anywhere, and it’s able to transfer the weight of the tools to either the ground or the work surface, freeing up your workers to focus on precision rather than the pain of moving the tools. The arm accounts for each weight shift and movement of a tool as well, so workers on your construction site truly do feel like the tools are weightless.

These are just some of the more notable ways that wearable technology and other robotics are able to improve safety and help with workers’ long-term health by reducing strain. As technology advances, it’s practically certain that even more work will be taken off human workers, freeing them up for more important tasks and increased productivity.

Contact Ekso Bionics

Exoskeletons and robots may sound as though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they don’t. Exoskeletons belong right here, among the millions of people experiencing the effects of neurological and physical injuries leading to weakness and paralysis. To learn more about the newest exosuit technology and how they can help your application, reach out to the Ekso Bionics team today.

While the prefix ‘neuro’ usually relates to anything having to do with the brain (words like ‘neurology’ come to mind immediately), in the physical therapy field, it may also refer to rehabilitation for the central nervous system. For example, a stroke survivor may experience reduced or complete loss of limb function. This paralysis is a result of a disruption in the nervous system. Neurorehabilitation clinicians (physiatrists and PM&R physicians) and physical therapists aim to help stroke survivors gain mobility in their limbs, walk farther, and hopefully walk back into their communities.

Stroke patients can experience a range of symptoms—from limited function in one or more limbs to complete paralysis on one side of the body. Regardless of their condition’s severity, it can be frustrating and disheartening to learn to walk again. This is why clinicians, physical therapists, and researchers from institutes of the caliber of Harvard University, Boston University, and Johns Hopkins are excited about the options that a lightweight Exosuit may present to patients. Innovation in rehabilitation, and the medical field are the only way to improve important outcomes. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how wearable robots are making waves in the world of rehabilitation sciences.

Exosuits are changing clinical settings and patient outcomes.

Once, not that long ago, all physical therapists had to rely solely on their own discretion and their own bodies when adjusting and carrying out P.T. exercises, such as walking on a mechanical power treadmill in a harness system. While therapists are known to be pros at what they do, human error still happens in the rehabilitation sciences, just like anywhere else. Today, a patient in a clinical setting can wear a lightweight, exosuit (or exoskeleton) that collects data on their improvement and important outcomes in real-time, a level of reliability that wasn’t possible before. By using real-time data, P.T. practitioners can maximize session times and improve outcomes for their patients. In other words, patients are gaining back abilities more quickly than before.

Software that adapts to a stroke patient’s gait pattern.

P.T. practitioners need to be aware of the patient’s ever-changing gait, gait mechanics, and ability because if a patient puts too much stress on a limb or ankle joint that isn’t quite ready, it can lead to further injury. EksoNR and other robotic exoskeletons solve that by using software to keep tabs on a stroke patient’s capabilities and adjust the assistance accordingly. By wearing an exosuit, even someone with a spinal cord injury could improve immensely in terms of balance, walking speed, or gait quality.

Exosuits are adjustable for the needs of specific joints.

When you think about an exoskeleton, you might be thinking of a rigid structure to be worn over a patient’s body, locking them in. That’s not at all what an exosuit by Ekso is like—in fact, this wearable robot can be adapted to each joint specifically—hip, ankle, knee, and more. Wearing an exosuit probably isn’t as comfortable as throwing on a pair of sweats, but it’s not uncomfortable either. The fact that exosuit technology is this customizable allows physical therapists who are treating spinal cord injuries or working on stroke rehabilitation to treat a specific patient’s needs. That inevitably leads to better outcomes.

Exosuit technology has been widely studied and acclaimed, with 110 studies being either carried out currently or already completed at acclaimed universities. As noted above, these include Harvard University and Boston University, but also the Kessler Foundation, UCLA, and UC Berkeley. Clinical trial results have been excellent, with the vast majority of people reporting an immediate effect and improvement levels that are far and away better than previously witnessed in stroke rehabilitation patients. While the exosuit technology is new, it’s a critical step towards improving stroke survivors’ lives around the United States and, indeed, the world over with its broad applicability.

Contact Ekso Bionics

Exoskeletons and robots may sound as though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they don’t. Exoskeletons belong right here, among the millions of people experiencing the effects of neurological and physical injuries leading to weakness and paralysis. To learn more about the newest exosuit technology and how they can help your application, reach out to the Ekso Bionics team today.

Spinal cord injuries, strokes, and brain injuries impact people across the country each year. Disability impacts both the physical and emotional well-being of millions of individuals across the U.S. In the last year, around 61 million Americans reported living with a disability. Some conditions cause chronic pain and discomfort. Others limit mobility by causing fatigue and decreasing strength and endurance.

With the Ekso suit, it’s possible to regain some of that previous physical freedom. Ekso products are exoskeleton suits that aid the disabled with physical movements. Wearable robots and exoskeletons initially interested military investors but now have an increasing role in civilian life, too. Now, physical therapists use these robotic exoskeletons in their practice working with disabled individuals. Here’s a look at how Ekso Bionics is using exoskeletons to rethink human mobility.

What are exoskeletons?

A bionic exoskeleton, like the ones Ekso produces, is a type of lightweight, wearable robot. It’s not a new technology, either. Industrial exoskeletons help prevent workplace injuries and ease heavy loads. In physical therapy, these bionic suits allow patients to get up earlier in their recovery, work on mobility tasks for longer durations, and help them progress more quickly. In one application, injured veterans who are wheelchair users may re-learn how to assume a standing position. In another, construction workers might use one to move a large object with less strain and risk of injury. While there are numerous use cases, Ekso Bionics focuses on differently-abled individuals. An Ekso product can enhance a user’s mobility and help the wearer feel more empowered.

How do Ekso suits work?

Ekso products have several different applications. From the EksoNR, an exosuit that provides leg support, to the EksoUE, which targets arms and shoulders, these powered exoskeletons can aid various patients. The EksoNR focuses on the lower half of the body and provides both power and support to the legs, particularly in injury or paralysis cases. This helps patients reestablish proper walking patterns and relearn their natural gait. This exosuit challenges the wearer to use the right movement patterns during their recovery period. As the wearer progresses toward unassisted walking, this helps them build strength and confidence while reducing fatigue.

Compared to the EksoNR, the EksoUE serves a different purpose. For individuals who suffer from an upper extremity affliction or a form of paralysis, this Ekso suit helps them recover their previous range of motion. The suit assists the impacted arm with common movements and is a useful tool for regaining the strength and endurance necessary for daily tasks.

What are the features of an Ekso product?

Ekso Bionics is disrupting the wearable robotics industry with our approach to each suit we create. That’s why these exosuits have advanced features that can help individuals with mild and severe mobility problems – across the continuum of care. Exoskeleton software captures applicable data, including steps, movements, and outcome measures that allow for deeper analytics. Physical therapists can use this data to adjust a rehabilitation plan as needed.

There’s also the unique SmartAssist software, which offers an advanced level of customizable motor support. This way, the EksoNR can adjust to different impairment levels for a wide range of affected patients. The physical therapist can toggle between patient-initiated movements and physical therapist-initiated movements that might require full assistance. This provides a tailored rehabilitative experience for each patient and helps them regain their confidence as they safely practice movement. Plus, the clinician controls allow for real-time targeting that creates a feedback-based regimen for the patient. It’s a more intuitive way to approach physical therapy and rehabilitation that takes patient experience into account.

Ekso Bionics is pioneering mobility.

Ekso products remain at the forefront of exoskeleton and wearable robot technology. Ekso technology gives wearers a sense of accomplishment and dignity as they work toward independent movement. Bionic exoskeleton suit markets continue to grow and will be assisting user mobility for the foreseeable future.

Contact Ekso Bionics

Exoskeletons and robots may sound as though they belong in a sci-fi film, but they don’t. Exoskeletons belong right here, among the millions of people experiencing the effects of neurological and physical injuries leading to weakness and paralysis. To learn more about the newest exosuit technology and how they can help your application, reach out to the Ekso Bionics team today.