In 2010 Berkeley Bionics unveiled eLEGS, which stands for "Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System". eLEGS is another pneumatically powered exoskeleton system, and allows paraplegics to stand and walk with crutches or a walker. The computer interface uses force and motion sensors to monitor the user's gestures and motion, and uses this information to interpret the intent of the user and translate it into action. Users can "put on and take off the device by themselves as well as walk, turn, sit down, and stand up unaided".[24]
In 2011 eLEGS was renamed Ekso. Ekso weighs 45 pounds (20 kg), has a maximum speed of 2 mph (3.2 km/h) and a battery life of 2-4 hours. It is suitable for users weighing up to 220 pounds, who are between 5 ft and 6 ft 4in tall. It is donned while sitting in a chair, so users must be able to transfer with or without assistance to the chair. It allows the user to "walk in a straight line, stand from a sitting position, stand for an extended period of time, and sit down from a standing position".[25]
In 2013 The next generation Ekso GT with Variable Assist (marketed as SmartAssist outside the U.S.) software was released. It is the only exoskeleton available for rehabilitation institutions that can provide adaptive amounts of power to either side of the patient's body, challenging the patient as they progress through their continuum of care. It also added the ability to turn around. The suit's patented technology provides the ability to mobilize patients earlier, more frequently and with a greater number of high intensity steps.
April 1, 2016 the FDA cleared the EksoGT to be used with stroke patients and spinal cord injury patients up to level C7 (ASIA D classification). This was the first exoskeleton cleared for rehabilitative use for the stroke population.[14]
In 2017 Ekso Bionics released SmartAssist software in the US which is an upgrade to the Variable Assist software.[26] SmartAssist allows for pre-gait activities in addition to gait training. It also added the ability to walk outside of the Ekso step trajectory, allowing for quick assessment of patient carryover while still in the device. The software upgrade also included updates for ease of use and to keep track of each patient's settings via a specific patient ID number. Ekso Bionics also launched Ekso Pulse which is a way to metrically track a patient's progression over the course of their rehab treatment via an online portal at the Ekso Bionics website.
In August 2019 Ekso Bionics released EksoNR (NeuroRehabilitation) to replace EksoGT.[15] The biggest change was the introduction of the new EksoView touchscreen controller and the associated upgrades to software. EksoNR allows patients across the continuum of care to work on pre-gait activities (weight shifting, marching, squats, side tapping), various modes of walking, and advanced gait activities such as walking backwards, side-stepping, walking with no trajectory, and walking with added resistance.
In June 2020, Ekso Bionics received FDA approval to use EksoNR on patients with acquired brain injury, including traumatic brain injury.[16] EksoNR was the first and is the only exoskeleton cleared for this patient population.
In June 2021, Ekso Bionics received FDA approval to use EksoNR with patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), the first and only exoskeleton with this indication for use.[18]
In January 2024, Ekso Bionics launched its new software, GaitCoach, which provides more guidance to therapists.[27] Additional feedback and focusing on specific areas of gait that need improvement were added.
Prototyped in 2010 as the Vanderbilt exoskeleton, this powered exoskeleton was designed by the Center for
Intelligent Mechatronics at Vanderbilt University to assist adults with any type of paralysis to walk independently. It relies on patient leg positioning to guide what the exoskeleton should do. It follows a lean forward to walk model.
In October 2012, Parker Hannifin signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Vanderbilt University for the right to develop and manufacture a commercial version of the exoskeleton, which it planned to release under the name Indego.[28]
The Indego is able to complete a sit to stand, walk, and stand to sit. It is meant to be used under the guide of a skilled, certified clinician. Initially it included a software suite called Motion+, intended to assist those who are unable to ambulate to walk.
At the time of launch, the product was sold as a 3-piece kit, providing small, medium, and large sizes of each of the 5 pieces that make up the Indego (hip, 2x upper leg, 2x lower leg)
Patients who utilize the Indego need to be less than 250lbs (113.4 kg) and have a seated hip width of 16.5” (42.2 cm) or less.
In 2016, the Indego was FDA approved for individuals with spinal cord injury at levels T4 to L5 to perform ambulatory functions in rehabilitation institutions.[29]
Ekso Indego Personal
The Ekso Indego Personal is intended to assist those with paraplegia to ambulate in their home and
community. It is meant to be used with a support person who goes through training to use the device with the user.
The modular design is consistent with the therapy device, however, the Indego personal hip and upper legs are not adjustable. The user receives one of three sizes for each piece of the Indego, creating a custom fit.
Indego Personal functions on the Motion+ software suite that allows a user to sit to stand, walk, and return to sitting. It can be worn in the passenger seat in the car and it can be donned in most wheelchairs. It includes LED lights that tell the support person and user what state the Indego is in. It is very intuitive to use, with most users standing and walking their first time in the device.
In 2016 the FDA approved personal use for T7 to L5.[29]
In 2018, the personal device indications were expanded up to the level of T3 by the FDA.[31]
Also in 2018, an updated memorandum was issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs that provides qualified veterans with a powered exoskeleton for personal use free of cost.
EksoUE
Developed with Johns Hopkins University, EksoUE is a spin off from the EksoVest to be used in the healthcare setting under qualified therapists. It is a passive, non-robotic system that provides spring powered assistance at the shoulders to amplify the users movements. It has tool-less adjustability and is non-tethered, allowing users to walk around to different environments with it donned, separating it from its larger and static competitors like the Tyromotion Diego. It is registered as a class I medical device under the FDA.
In 2019, the EksoUE was announced.[34]
In 2020, the EksoUE was initially launched to targeted customers.
