Description

Presenter: John Byrne

Slides: presentation, pdf

Notes

• Much of the research coming form the US military (for rehab) and from Japan
  • In Japan it is due to their aging population.
    • Japan is depopulating at a fast rate
    • Large investment to do more work with a smaller population
• Interested in how exoskeletons can enhance independence
• battery life tends to max out at about 4hrs for now, but batteries are continuously improving
• rehab vs everyday use
  • some products are exclusively for rehab
    • need to be used in a rehab environment with a trained physiotherapist
    • these are the most expensive
      • range from $40k to $250k
    • in most cases you'd need to still use some form of support (e.g. walker) while using the device
    • they tend to way about 50kg but you don't tend to feel it because they are designed with a good centre of gravity.
    • Ekso Bionics
      • can do some or all of the work to assist an individual with walking
        • the more one can do themselves the better, but it can help with progressive rehab
        • costs about $240k
    • Hal - Hybrid Assistive Limb (Japan)
      • one of the older companies (about 10 or 12 years old)
      • only available in Japan; Bochum, Germany; and Florida, USA
      • continuous feedback loop to wearers to help retrain the brain
      • a lot of work to move
      • research to support that it can improve walking even if it's been many years since the loss of walking
        • no evidence that you will lose the improvements that you make if you do the full program ( see below ).
      • There is a 60 session program that you need to undergo to use it. 
        • In Germany it costs about $48k plus travel and living.
        • In Florida it cots $24k plus travel and living
  • everyday use
    • assist with working
    • assist with walking and rehab
      • improve independence
    • needs to be supported (serviced) in the region that it is being used.
    • Rewalk
      • from the Israeli military
      • to reduce fatigue for soldiers due to equipment weight and terrain
      • costs about $120k
      • one piece suit
        • can't sit in wheel chair or car because of the large backpack
      • will walk for you, can help someone who is close to fully paralyzed
      • the size (backpack) and potential need of assistance to put on means that it won't help with independence
    • Indego
      • parent company is Parker Hannifin who's key focus is Aviation, Aerospace, and Pharmaceutical
      • can be worn while driving
      • can get in and out of fairly quickly
      • have to move left to right to move
      • has a walking and training mode
        • can suggest programs to improve your walking over time
          • uses some form of AI to determine this
      • costs about $120k
      • they recommend up to 2 weeks of training to get the most out of it
        • the training cost is extra.
    • Keeogo
      • A Canadian device but only available in Ontario and Quebec
      • costs about $40k and have financing options
      • originally developed for the Canadian military
      • functions by picking up slight muscle movements in knees and hip flexors
        • seems to be targeting those who require only a little to moderate help
    • Suitx
      • In the process of applying for FDA approval, does have CE certification in the EU
      • costs about $50k
      • 2 piece suit
      • only ways about 10kg
• Ireland
  • has about 9 exoskeletons which is one of the highest per capita