Ekso™ is a wearable robot or exoskeleton that enables people with lower-extremity paralysis or weakness to stand and walk. It is a ready to wear, battery powered, bionic device that is strapped over the user’s clothing.

Ekso is an adjustable, portable, bionic exoskeleton designed to help patients with lower-extremity paralysis or weakness stand up and walk. With the patient providing the balance and proper body positioning, Ekso allows them to walk over ground with reciprocal gait. The physical therapist uses the control pad to program the desired walking parameters, such as step length and speed, as well as control when the Ekso stands, sits, and takes a step. It is powered by two high-capacity lithium batteries which drive the hip and knee motors.

The device weighs approximately 50 pounds (23 kg). The user doesn’t support the weight of the device as it is transferred into the ground through the Ekso structure.

In order to be eligible for Ekso a patient needs to bring a medical release. Then, a comprehensive physical evaluation is conducted, which typically takes one hour. During this evaluation, a physical therapist examines key requirements for use including range of motion, muscle strength and spasticity.

The fitting of a patient and the adjustment of Ekso typically takes ten minutes. Ekso can be adjusted to fit most people between 5’2” and 6’2” who weigh 220 pounds or less.

An experienced user can transfer to/from their wheelchair and don or doff the Ekso in less than 5 minutes. The torso and leg straps are designed to enable the user/patient to easily get in and out of the device with none or minimal assistance.

Ekso is for patients with lower-extremity paralysis or weakness who would like assistance to stand up and walk. The user needs arm function and adequate upper extremity strength to manage crutches or a walker as determined during the evaluation. If you can transfer independently from a wheelchair to a chair, are between 5'2" - 6'2" (150-190 cm) tall and weigh 220 lbs (100 kg) or less, you are most likely a candidate.

The walking speed of Ekso depends on a patient’s aptitude and condition. Ekso allows walking speeds up to 1mph.

All users complete a training program when learning to use Ekso. The learning curve is quite user specific and can depend on many factors. Usually, individuals begin using a walker and progress to crutches.

The physical therapist operates the Ekso with a remote control. This allows the PT to teach the patient when to take a step, how to position their body for proper balance, and how to shift their weight in preparation to take another step. The PT also has the ability to modify Ekso’s walking pattern (i.e. step speed and length) as the patient progresses.

Please contact us to find a certified center near you. This version of Ekso is intended to be used in a medically supervised environment.

We plan to launch a personal version in early 2014.


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For more information on Ekso Bionics and our products and services contact customerrelations@eksobionics.com.