What nobody tells you about bringing a Robotic Exoskeleton into a Public Hospital… until you speak with those who have done it
Every innovation introduced into a rehabilitation service begins long before the first patient takes their first step.
It starts with a question:
Will this technology truly improve clinical practice?
From there, many more questions follow:
- Is there enough clinical evidence?
- Which patients are most likely to benefit?
- How can it be integrated into existing rehabilitation pathways?
- What changes will it require from the multidisciplinary team?
- What barriers should we expect?
These are questions that scientific publications rarely answer. Yet they are often the ones that determine whether innovation successfully reaches patients.
When Clinical Experience makes the Difference
During ABLE Human Motion’s symposium at SERMEF, rehabilitation professionals from public hospitals shared their first-hand experience of implementing robotic exoskeletons within their clinical services.
The conversation went far beyond technology.
It focused on: clinical decision-making. Implementation. Lessons learned. Evidence.
And, above all, the realities of introducing a new therapeutic tool into daily rehabilitation practice.
Ricardo Jariod Gaudes, Head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Miguel Servet University Hospital, Aragon Health Service (SALUD)
Anna Guillen-Sola, Head of the Neurological Rehabilitation Section at Hospital del Mar, Catalan Health System
Natalia Alvarez Bandres, Jefa de Servicio de Medicina Física y Rehabilitación del Hospital Universitario San Pedro de Logroño, Rioja Salud (SERIS)
Iraide Foronda Chueca, Physical Therapist at Gorliz Hospital, Osakidetza
Throughout the discussion, several topics emerged that resonate with healthcare professionals considering the adoption of innovative rehabilitation technologies:
- How do you identify a genuine clinical need?
- Which factors accelerate—or delay—the implementation process?
- What role should the public healthcare system play?
- How are suitable patients selected?
- Why are staff training and clinical protocols so important?
- How do rehabilitation goals evolve from the acute phase to the chronic phase?
Innovation is about more than Technology
One of the strongest messages shared during the symposium was that implementing a robotic exoskeleton does not end when the device arrives at the hospital.
In many ways, that is where the real work begins.
Successful implementation requires adapting clinical workflows, training healthcare professionals, building confidence within the multidisciplinary team, and establishing protocols that allow the technology to become a natural part of patient care.
Ultimately, innovation succeeds when it supports clinicians in delivering better rehabilitation—not simply because the technology exists.
A New Clinical Insights Series
To continue this conversation beyond the symposium, we have created a series of clinical interviews and expert discussions featuring healthcare professionals who have already integrated the ABLE Exoskeleton into their rehabilitation programmes.
Over the coming weeks, we will explore topics including:
How is the decision made to introduce a Robotic Exoskeleton into a Public Hospital?
How is the decision made to introduce a Robotic Exoskeleton into a Public Hospital?Discover the key factors that influenced the decision-making process across different rehabilitation departments, as well as the challenges they encountered during implementation.
What role should the National Health System play?
A discussion on funding, access to innovation, and the opportunities to make these technologies available to a greater number of patients.
What does it take for an innovation to become part of routine clinical practice?
Healthcare professionals discuss the importance of staff training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and the development of clinical protocols to successfully integrate new technologies into rehabilitation services.
How does the role of a Robotic Exoskeleton change throughout the rehabilitation journey?
Explore how therapeutic goals evolve between the acute and chronic phases of rehabilitation, based on the experience shared by clinicians using robotic gait training in daily practice.
What criteria are key when selecting a patient?
Clinical experts share their experience and the factors they consider when determining whether a patient is suitable for robotic exoskeleton-assisted rehabilitation.
Real Clinical Cases
Three healthcare professionals present real patient cases and reflect on the key lessons learned throughout the rehabilitation process, sharing practical clinical experiences that may help other multidisciplinary teams in their own practice.
Because sharing experience drives better rehabilitation
Clinical evidence continues to grow, but shared clinical experience remains one of the most valuable resources for advancing rehabilitation practice.
Learning from hospitals that have already implemented robotic technologies helps clinicians anticipate challenges, refine implementation strategies and better understand how innovation can support patient outcomes.
Progress happens faster when knowledge is shared.
Access the complete clinical series
If you are a healthcare professional interested in robotic rehabilitation technologies, we invite you to explore the complete collection of symposium interviews and clinical case discussions.
Gain practical insights from clinicians who are already using the ABLE Exoskeleton in their daily practice and discover how they are integrating robotic gait training into real rehabilitation settings.
▶️ Register to access the full Clinical Insights Series and join the conversation shaping the future of neurorehabilitation.
This content is intended exclusively for healthcare professionals.
