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Community Meeting (July 25, 2018): Exoskeleton Devices

Community Meeting (July 25, 2018): Exoskeleton Devices

Jul 31, 2018

Description

Presenter: John Byrne

Slides: presentation,

 

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