By Eythor Bender, Ekso Bionics™ CEO
It’s been busy, and getting even busier, but every day we are rewarded with new developments that energize and motivate us.
London hosted the International Spinal Cord Society´s (ISCoS) annual scientific meeting in parallel with the Paralympic Games this summer, inspiring participants at both events to break down barriers and refuse to accept the status quo when it comes to defining what people with spinal cord injuries can and can´t do.
RICHMOND, California, August 9, 2012 – Ekso Bionics today announced that it has begun shipping an upgraded version of Ekso™, the bionic suit that powers patients with spinal cord injuries and pathologies up to get them standing up and walking again. Each Ekso now comes equipped with three new walking modes for progressive rehabilitation options, in addition to EksoPulse™, a wireless networked usage monitor. Patients will have new challenges as they master each level and more control of the suit as they become more adept. Also, Ekso now provides both the patient and the physical therapist with better insights into that patient’s headway.
Ekso is a ready-to-wear, battery-powered bionic suit – or exoskeleton – that is strapped over the user’s clothing. The device transfers its 45 lb. load directly to the ground, so the patient doesn’t bear the weight. Each Ekso can be adjusted in a few minutes to fit most people weighing 220 pounds or less, and between 5’2” and 6’2”, with at least partial upper body strength. The patient provides the balance and proper body positioning, and Ekso facilitates walking over ground with reciprocal gait.
“With this upgrade, clinicians using Ekso can now empower their patients even more by teaching them to control the suit autonomously, thereby giving them greater independence,” said Eythor Bender, Ekso Bionics’ CEO.
“As the patient gains confidence and familiarity with walking, Ekso now permits them to graduate to a next level, and then another,” explained Darrell Musick, clinical director at Ekso Bionics. “This comfortable experience-based progression allows for sequentially- increased freedom and better control. The patients love it.”
Ekso’s Three New Walking Modes:
Eythor Bender
Ekso Bionics’ CEO
Our company is at a crossroads in the history of mobility. Up until now, bionic exoskeletons were contraptions portrayed in the form of sci-fi avatars or robots. We are at the tipping point of scientific advancement where we have the ability to turn dreams and hope into reality. This month marks the beginning of an unprecedented journey as we delivered our first Ekso to Craig Hospital in Denver, CO on February 14th.
Many things had to happen over the last year to get us to where we are today. A dedicated team of employees and test pilots has been working towards the goal of helping people to realize their dreams of standing up and walking. Read More
Investigational Studies Completed: All Paraplegic Patients Walked During First Session
BERKELEY, California, February 15, 2012 — Ekso Bionics today announced that the first commercial unit of its Ekso exoskeleton was delivered yesterday, on February 14, to Craig Hospital in Denver. Ekso is a wearable robot that powers paraplegics up, enabling them to stand and walk. In addition – working together with top rehabilitation centers in the U.S. – Ekso Bionics just completed a ten-month Investigational Study of Ekso that entailed reciprocal information sharing and learning, training, as well as the definition of clinical protocols. Delivery of Eksos – beginning with Ekso Bionics´ Charter Rehabilitation Centers – will take place over the course of the next three months. Read More
