Month: April 2021

Exoskeleton technology is an up-and-coming field that has already helped thousands of individuals across the globe. Thanks to the research and developments at Ekso Bionics, wearers of these vests and robots have newfound mobility that can help in all sorts of areas. Whether you are recovering from an injury or working to prevent one, there are countless ways exoskeletons can help improve your life and your industry.

Of course, new robotics and exoskeletons aren’t an investment you can take lightly. They are just that, an investment. It is important that you know what you’re getting yourself into before you jump in. Overall a robot exoskeleton helps the wearer increase their mobility after paralysis, give extra power to certain limbs, increase endurance, help with fatigue from repetitive movement, and aid in heavy lifting. Power exoskeletons can help all kinds of professionals from physical therapists to warehouse foremen. Understanding the logistics is the first step to deciding if exoskeletons have industry applications you can benefit from. Here are a few of the industries we believe need access to exoskeletons to help with their work and will benefit the most from the assistance.

Healthcare

While there are a lot of different branches and areas of healthcare that we will get into in a moment, there are general applications for exoskeletons and Ekso bionics within hospitals and clinics. Medical exoskeletons are great in clinical settings. The biggest example is for stroke victims that are relearning how to walk with a natural gait without a crutch. The exoskeleton has sensors that can connect to your spinal cord, knee joint, ankle joint, waist, or thighs. Because our wearable robotic exoskeletons come in different shapes and sizes, clinicians can adjust the assistive device to aid patients in different ways. This clinical setting provides actual results for stroke victims, individuals dealing with a loss of mobility, or those in rehabilitation from surgery. It is a new way to give care to patients without discomfort by allowing them a sense of freedom with lightweight designs and personalized assistive devices.

Physical Therapy

Out of all the clinicians who will benefit from a bionic exoskeleton, physical therapists have more opportunities than anyone else. Patients in physical therapy are working to loosen joints, recover from athletic or workplace injuries, or just going through neurorehabilitation. Physical therapists can combine exercises with exoskeleton technology to provide actual results for their patient progress. Rehabilitation devices and robotic technology help patients get back to their normal mobility and joint flexibility in no time because the wearable robot can challenge patients without causing overexertion. Whether it is for personal use or clinical trials, this technology can clearly benefit rehabilitation centers and the world of physical therapy.

Disability Management

Innovative technology from the industry leaders is creating progress and going beyond what was previously thought possible. For individuals with a disability, spinal cord injury patients, or wheelchair users, walking or standing on their own may seem like a distant memory. But thanks to exoskeletons, disabled patients may actually get the chance to return to activities of daily living. Strapped into an exoskeleton robot, these individuals can remain in a stand position or even start taking a few steps. By helping the lower limbs function and connect with the spinal cord, these individuals can make progress toward regaining some degree of freedom. While there are still uncertainties and each case of a spinal cord injury is different, this is a huge step in the right direction for disability management and motor function. Progress in these human capabilities can lead to a better quality of life for patients.

Construction

Switching gears from injury management to injury prevention leads us to many other industries that can benefit from a robotic exoskeleton. One of the first areas is on a construction job site. Construction workers are tasked with doing continuous, draining physical labor. They are expected to move heavy pieces of rubble, hammer away for hours, and stay on their feet for an entire shift. The body is only built to withstand so much and can easily get fatigued over time. Wearable robotics are lightweight and can provide support to construction workers during heavy lifting and repetitive movements. This will aid productivity in the overall site and prevent injury. Lower the time it takes to finish a task by providing your workers with an extra power source and much-needed strength. You can see improvements in real-time and help guarantee your team does not get overworked.

Warehouse Work

Similar to construction, warehouse work and distribution is an industry that Ekso bionics was specifically designed for. This field revolves around constantly carrying and moving heavy loads. Do not let your employees break their back spending the whole shift in an industrial setting with no assistance. Utilize the help of Ekso to adopt wearable vests or exoskeletons that help give extra strength in these situations. A partnership with Ekso will show your employees that you have their back. You want to reduce the number of risks within a warehouse setting. Rather than letting people overexert themselves or do repetitive movements with no reprieve, give them a tool that will make all those tasks easier on the body.

Repetitive Jobs with Heavy Loads

While industrial settings like construction sites and warehouses benefit most from such devices, other fields involve repetitive movement and heavy lifting that will benefit from exoskeleton technology. Any time you are putting the body in a strenuous position, it can be useful to rely on an exoskeleton robot to help you. It lowers risks and helps productivity in many different ways. If these tasks are involved in your industry, this may be a good solution for you.

Whether you are using exoskeletons for clinical use or within the workplace, you are sure to enjoy the benefits of this innovative, new technology. Trust Ekso Bionics to get your industry where it needs to go with advanced software and a human touch. We can’t wait to help you with whatever you may need.

Walking is something that many individuals take for granted. You can simply get out of bed in the morning, walk to your bathroom, and not have to deal with any uncertainties or major limitations as you go about your day. For individuals recovering from a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain trauma, these simple acts can be tremendously difficult.

Rehabilitation centers exist to help get patients back home as quickly as possible, so they can get back to a relatively normal life. Physical therapists work with these individuals in a clinic setting to help with gait training, endurance, and oftentimes learning to walk again. Exciting developments in the world of neurorehabilitation are opening the door for these patients to recover more quickly and get back to normal daily activities.

Ekso Bionics takes pride in being an industry leader for robotic exoskeletons. Our wearable robots are helping patients get out of their wheelchairs and back to walking on their own. A partnership between Ekso Bionics and trained physical therapists can help improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall quality of life for these individuals. EksoNR has gone through clinical trials and is an exoskeleton technology specifically designed to help with neurorehabilitation. We believe this technology is changing the future of wearable robotics and can have a dramatic impact on rehab centers across the globe.

Robotic Exoskeletons for Neurorehabilitation

EksoNR is the next step toward freedom and innovation with wearable robots in rehab facilities. Our creative design and unique software allows patients to practice their gait and track their progress. Clinicians can work one-on-one with patients to track their goals, modify assistance levels, and give real-time feedback. Unlike basic exoskeletons, EksoNR adapts to the patient’s body and level of activity. It also supports posture, so all joints are aligned, and won’t contribute to muscle fatigue. This innovative wearable device works with the patient to move through a natural range of motion, depending on condition, level of ability, or patient readiness. This individuality and progressive nature will provide lasting results that can be monumental for your patient population.

Different Levels of Freedom

What sets the innovative design of EksoNR apart is the different levels of freedom the wearable device can provide throughout patient progress. Some exoskeletons will completely support the full body weight and not allow patients any level of contribution or room for improvement. But if they always have a crutch, how will they ever get away from the rehabilitative tool?

Instead, EksoNR allows for a progressive strategy. When a patient first starts working with robotic technologies in spinal cord injury rehabilitation, the device may provide a majority of the walking power. But as a patient becomes more comfortable and gains balance, strength, and coordination, the exoskeleton can adjust and simply offer minimal support instead of doing all the work. It grows with the patient as their gait training progresses, and they’re able to walk more independently. This helps get real results instead of allowing for complacency or hitting plateaus.

Physical Therapist and FDA Approved

Ekso is leading the field in rehabilitation innovations. As the first FDA-approved wearable robot to help with brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke rehabilitation, EksoNR is ahead of the competition. Physical therapists also back the product because this new technology is supported by clinical research and allows them to progress their patients quickly, safely, and effectively. Our wearable robotic exoskeleton has been approved for clinical practice where patients of different shapes, sizes, and ability levels can experience the freedom of walking once again.

Benefits and Outcomes

Physical therapy and rehabilitation are all about setting goals and meeting those outcome measures. With innovative rehabilitative tools, each wearer will reap the benefits of EksoNR. When relearning to walk after a stroke or brain trauma, finding balance can be tricky for your patient. Because the exoskeleton robot assists the lower limbs and torso, the patient will be supported every step of the way, literally. Your patient can start by working on a functional level of balance with this medical device.

After your patient is up and standing, it’s time for them to take their exciting first steps. Chances are that their gait may be a little off due to the neurological trauma. Our exoskeleton will provide the proper gait mechanics to help the patient earn and gain mobility at their own pace. Eventually, performing leg movements and walking for a significant length of time without muscle fatigue will be possible. EksoNR will also help with gait symmetry and eventually lower the patient’s dependence on the exoskeleton until walking unassisted is achieved.

Relearning a physical activity can be mentally and physically taxing. At first, your patient may not be able to walk far or stay in a standing position for a significant length of time. But the use of these devices will eventually have them walking long distances without assistance if their injury allows for that. It takes time and dedication, but our tools can help your patients see actual results after a few rehabilitation sessions.

EksoNR is changing lives.

If you think EksoNR sounds too good to be true, we’re here to assure you that it isn’t. There are many real-life examples of this technology changing lives. Follow this story from Promedica Total Rehab of a gentleman who experienced a stroke just before Christmas. When he felt his whole left side go numb, he knew it was time to go to the hospital. After almost a month of intense medical treatment and physical therapy, he walked out on his own accord. Thanks to exoskeleton technology, this stroke survivor was able to make a full recovery, regain his natural gait, and go back home to a normal life.

If you work at a rehabilitation center for individuals suffering from a stroke, spinal cord injury, or brain injury, see if the usability of innovative wearable robots may be a good option for your patients to overcome any disability. Working with Ekso can give your neurologically injured or stroke patients find renewed hope that their life can continue as normal. This also has immense psychological benefits that they can conquer anything. We firmly believe that our company’s technology can make a huge difference for your rehabilitation centers and the lives of your patients.

When you think of robotics, you probably picture a free-roaming robot that helps you with your household chores. While that may have been the picture old Sci-Fi movies painted, modern applications of robotic technology are actually much cooler and more practical. At Ekso Bionics, our scientists and technicians work tirelessly to create exoskeleton technology with industrial applications that stretch the limits of human capabilities.

A wearable robot gives you new comfort and abilities while performing repetitive tasks without limitations. Industrial workers can improve their endurance and get actual results without worrying about worker fatigue. Our commitment is to help job sites become safer and more efficient. Ekso Bionics has seen actual results when it comes to alleviating the risks of workplace injuries. We are proud to be an industry leader and leading developer of exoskeleton solutions. Your business matters to you, so your industrial workers matter to us. Here are just a few ways our revolutionary EVO design can help reduce the number of risks within your industrial workplace.

The Evolution of EVO

EVO is a new vest that is designed to provide power without any pain. This design is not our first iteration of innovative wearable robots. The EksoVest was our first vest designed for industrial use. After years in the field, we gained tremendous insights into how we could make it better. By fixing uncertainties and making the product more durable, EVO is shaping the evolution of industrial exoskeletons. With enhanced comfort, reduced heat, and increased flexibility, these new features are ready to prevent muscle strain, overexertion, and fatigue.

It helps with heavy lifting.

Normally, industrial workers need to be tough and strong because their job revolves around heavy-lifting and ruggedness. However, if you spend your day lifting incorrectly or hoisting heavy objects above your head, this can be a leading cause of back or shoulder injuries. That’s where Ekso EVO comes in. By strapping on this exoskeleton, your overhead work becomes a breeze. You aren’t responsible for taking all the weight any more thanks to this technology solution that helps bear the weight. Sharing the load is a programmatic solution to reduce your risk of serious injuries.

It cuts down on fatigue.

Workdays can easily get repetitive and tiring. When you’re constantly using the same muscles, they can undergo general wear and tear. The burden of repetitive work leads to higher risks for work-related injuries. When you get tired or fatigued, you just don’t work as effectively, and you may lose focus on your company’s operations. The next step is finding a solution to help you feel less fatigued and increase your endurance. An EVO device works with the natural movement of the body to help with your day-to-day use. This way, you aren’t causing extra strain on certain joints that you’re working all day. The exoskeleton gives you an added boost when you need it most and is almost like a crutch to help you get through all your projects.

Works smarter, not harder.

Some global manufacturing companies may think they can operate without the added assistance, but the point is, you don’t have to. Every workplace has a number of injury risks, even for the most skilled workers. The result of these risks can be a serious injury which will be seen as your company’s failure. Instead of waiting a significant length of time hoping disruptions never occur, start working smarter now.

EVO, along with our other additional technology and exoskeleton solutions, prioritizes working smarter, not harder. Because these vests offer a wide range of movement that goes with your natural joints and muscles, it simply acts as an aid. With an unrestricted range of motion, you can operate as normal, just with a buffer to help you carry the load. This allows your body to operate the way it’s supposed to, so you don’t put added strain on your muscles and joints.

Lightweight solutions work with you, not against you.

Past upper-body exoskeleton devices offered results but could be cumbersome and uncomfortable for the wearer. These devices are supposed to help you with your work, not be a heavy load itself. The new EVO design is the ideal solution. More lightweight than ever, EVO shows a commitment to work with you instead of causing an extra burden. The flexibility also boasts an unrestricted range of motion without any hassle. Our design is created to withstand the test of time. Even after millions of cycles and movements, the device architecture will remain intact. EVO’s novel design took the adverse results from its predecessor and now offers a better user experience.

It offers support to past injuries.

While you’re working to reduce the number of workplace injuries at your company’s supply chain, you can’t go back in time to stop any past injuries your workers have endured. If you have team members with trouble areas from past injuries at other companies, EVO can help them going forward. Our company’s products are backed by physical therapists and can help the quality of life and work for individuals recovering from injury. Every day strain or the burden of repetitive work may be extra risky for these individuals, so a rehabilitative upper-body exoskeleton can help them work more efficiently without fear of exacerbating an injury.

Could Ekso EVO help your industry?

As one of the first companies to develop these exoskeletons, we believe EVO’s innovative design can have a vast impact on many different industries. If you’re reevaluating your company’s business plans, consider how this new acquisition model can offer faster results for your numbers. Rehabilitative tools will reduce the risk of injury, increase endurance and motivation for your employees, and show you care about their overall wellbeing. Fields like manufacturing, construction, and general industrial work could use innovative ways to help workers with overall productivity. We truly believe there are potential benefits for your organization to utilize Ekso Bionics. Stop doing hard work when our ergonomics have produced actual results in multiple field evaluations. We are here to help you reduce the risk of workplace injury and improve the overall effectiveness of the company.

Suffering from a traumatic brain injury can be a life-changing event. Depending on the complications, you could experience paralysis, brain trauma, or have to adjust to a completely different pace of life. Recovering from spinal cord injury, serious accident, or a stroke, usually requires many sessions of physical therapy at rehabilitation centers to learn how to walk again and get back to daily activities. The strain of recovery can also lead to challenges and different perspectives within the clinic setting.

Physical therapy is a journey that patients go through to regain motivation and the ability to go back to the activities of daily living. Therapists work one-on-one with clients to help them find this sense of hope. Luckily, innovators have come up with new tools and robotics to help with this recovery treatment. A partnership with medical exoskeletons can help shift perspectives and hit new milestones to help with patient endurance and speed of rehabilitation. A wearable robot offers individual freedom and gait training that gives spinal cord and brain injured or stroke patients a strategy and path to reach their full potential.

At Ekso Bionics, we work diligently to improve our exoskeleton technology so physical therapists can use our innovative wearable robots to help patients take their next steps towards recovery, literally. We believe in putting the power in the patients’ hands and helping to challenge the physical limits and human capabilities in neurorehabilitation. Our powered exoskeletons can be the intervention you need to find success and take your rehabilitation centers to the next level and help more people than ever.

Reasons a patient may need neurorehabilitation.

Neurorehabilitation is all about helping patients relearn how their bodies should function after serious trauma. There are multiple reasons why a patient may need this assistance. After surviving a stroke or serious car accident, your limbs, muscles, and joints may not be ready for extensive use or have much endurance. Patients can experience fatigue after standing for a short time or they may have trouble with weight shifts or gait training. Rehab and physical therapy can help individuals regain these motor functions and lead to improved outcomes for the patient.

Consider mental barriers as well as physical ones.

Patients who have suffered a spinal cord injury, brain trauma, or a stroke are working to overcome physical limitations caused by their accidents. However, what many people may not realize are the mental barriers that these patients may also need to overcome. They may be carrying a heavy load of depression or anxiety because of the huge changes to their lives and the uncertainties involved in their situation. As clinicians or physical therapists, it’s important to consider this perspective as well. How can you help rehabilitate the mind and the body? The best way to see significant improvement in rehab centers is by helping the patient find motivation, hope, and a sense of independence once again. We believe exoskeletons can contribute positively to these psychological benefits.

How Ekso bionics and EksoNR can help.

Ekso is proud to produce the only exoskeleton that is FDA-approved for medical use with brain injury and the first exoskeleton approved for spinal cord injury and stroke rehabilitation. As an industry leader in medical device products, our EksoNR design is a medical exoskeleton that allows patients to provide as much power as they can while only filling in the patient’s deficit.. Other robotic technology is much more restrictive and doesn’t include advanced features like added resistance and backwards walking. The EksoNR medical device works with the patients’ joints to help the wearer gain confidence in their gait and walking improvements. Our wearable robotics are adaptable and offer real-time adjustments and posture support throughout rehabilitation. We designed the exoskeleton to help patients eventually walk without it. After all, a rehabilitative device shouldn’t be necessary forever, as long as you can see actual results and improvements.

Putting the power back in patients’ hands.

One of the best ways to increase potential benefits and help motivate your patients to find a perspective of optimism is to put the power back in their hands. A robotic exoskeleton works as a rehabilitative device with settings to ultimately challenge patients to regain their mobility. After working with a therapist and a wearable device at a clinical practice for a few rehabilitation sessions, your patient should be able to support their bodyweight for a longer duration, experience less muscle fatigue, and walk for a significant length of time without the dependence on an exoskeleton device. Not only does this help with patient progress for physical activities, but it can help patients feel confident and optimistic about their future once again.

Allowing for a challenge and gaining actual results.

The adaptability of robotic exoskeletons allows for physical therapists to challenge patients in new ways. The first time your patients use wearable robotics, it may help them focus on staying in a standing position and holding up their body weight for longer than they can without the EksoNR. Session two can be about taking a few steps. After multiple days in the rehabilitation institute, you’ll see significant improvement for your patients as they walk hundreds or thousands of steps with minimal assistance from the power source. The advanced technology within the wearable exoskeleton allows you to adjust the assistance and walking parameters at any given moment. By challenging your patients, you’ll see actual results and help the human body reach its full potential.

But don’t just take our word for it, check out this story about a young lady whose life has been changed thanks to Ekso Bionics. Kylie was injured in a serious accident that left her in a coma. Working with Ekso allowed her to grow and adapt to her new lifestyle. After only a few rehabilitation sessions with the exoskeleton system, she was able to take over 1,000 steps with a more natural gait. Her team of doctors and therapists spoke to the benefits of EksoNR helping her find optimism, focus, and motivation. These robot suits offer help with a physical disability, but also give new perspectives and encouragement as well.

Take the next steps with us.

If you think an exoskeleton device may be a great new technology for your rehabilitation institute and clinical use, check out our robotic exoskeleton today. Our company’s technology is helping stroke survivors, accident victims, and individuals with spinal cord injuries take their next steps toward healing, literally and figuratively. Our smart assist software can help you see greater improvement in the lives of your patient population. Don’t let neurologic conditions stop your patients from a great quality of life. See how wearable robotic exoskeletons can make a difference in your clinical practice.