What’s unique about ABLE Exoskeleton?

WHAT’S UNIQUE ABOUT the ABLE EXOSKELETON?

Discover what makes the ABLE Exoskeleton a revolutionary solution for neurorehabilitation. In this video series, we explore each unique feature of our device, which has been developed through a co-creation process with patients and clinical professionals to address the limitations of traditional exoskeletons. Guided by our mission to democratise robotics for rehabilitation, we’re transforming therapy with a simplified exoskeleton design, an intuitive interface, and a patient-centred approach.

Explore the unique features of ABLE Exoskeleton

Transcription

Hi! I am Katlin Kreamer, Medical Engineer and Product Manager at ABLE Human Motion. Today I’m presenting “What’s unique about ABLE Exoskeleton?”, a new video series where we will walk you through the key aspects that set our device apart from existing solutions.

Medical robotic exoskeletons emerged 20 years ago, helping patients regain mobility and independence. They provide progressive, repetitive and high-intensity gait training based on the principles of motor learning and neuroplasticity.

But if they are effective, why are exoskeletons not implemented widely in healthcare? That’s the question we asked ourselves five years ago. And that’s what we found out…

  • They are too heavy, weighing around 30kg.
  • They require more than 15 minutes to set up for each patient, which makes them difficult to integrate into clinical routines.
  • Adapt poorly to patients with different characteristics,
  • And cost almost 200k€, which does not make them a feasible solution for most rehabilitation facilities.
 

In these videos, we will learn how ABLE Exoskeleton addresses each and every one of these aspects. Stay tuned to discover how our technology transforms therapy and redefines what’s possible in neurorehabilitation!

Why aren’t medical exoskeletons widely implemented in healthcare? In this episode, we explore the challenges of traditional exoskeletons and introduce how ABLE Human Motion is addressing these limitations to revolutionise neurological rehabilitation.

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First and foremost by actively listening to experts. We’ve collaborated with hundreds of patients and clinical professionals, integrating their feedback into the design to better address their needs.

As a result of this co-creation process, our exoskeleton is not just a fine piece of engineering—it’s a game changer for clinical practice!

With only 17kg, ABLE is the lightest adjustable, hip-knee-powered exoskeleton on the European market for neurorehabilitation.

Four patented actuators provide one of the most natural gait patterns seen in the industry, helping patients re-teach the brain and muscles how to walk again.

Thanks to innovative methods and mechanisms, patients can put on the ABLE Exoskeleton in less than 6 minutes with minimum assistance from the therapist.

The device has many possibilities to adapt optimally to patients with different characteristics, from individuals who partially preserve motor function to high spinal cord injuries. This includes multiple transfer options, standing and walking modes, turning assistance and many accessories.

All these features facilitate the integration of ABLE Exoskeleton into routine therapy services. Are you curious to know more? Don’t miss the next video!

See how the ABLE exoskeleton sets a new standard in neurorehabilitation with its lightweight, quick-to-adjust, and adaptable design.

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Today we will dive into one of the key elements that enhance clinical usability: being able to set up the exoskeleton quickly from one patient to another.

The size of the ABLE Exoskeleton can be adjusted in less than 30 seconds to fit people from 150 to 190 cm tall. This is done without using any tools, thanks to pinlocks and telescopic parts that can be moved easily by hand.
Then, there are 2 options for transferring into the device:

  • “Yoga leg”, in which the right or left leg of the exoskeleton is raised vertically, leaving more space for the patient to transfer independently from the wheelchair into the device.
  • And the second, which consists of disassembling the foot modules and putting the exoskeleton on the patient’s body from behind thanks to its lightness. This is especially helpful for severely affected patients who have poor trunk control.
 

Finally, the exoskeleton is attached to the body instantly with textile straps using magnetic clips that are easy to fasten, and a cable-tightening mechanism. This mechanism has been designed so that the patient can do it themselves, with only one hand, using the other hand to stabilise their trunk.

Efficiency meets innovation with ABLE Exoskeleton’s optimized size adjustment mechanisms, textile straps, and multiple transfer options. This saves time and enhances therapy for patients and therapists!

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ABLE Exoskeleton has motors on the hip and knee joints that actively assist the patient to stand up from a chair or bed. The speed and assistance provided can be configured to match different patient needs.
The sit-to-stand motion can be initiated either by:

  • The therapist, by pressing a button on the back of the exoskeleton. This gives them complete control, which is especially useful in the first sessions with the device.
  • Or by the patient using the “Dynamic stand up”. This revolutionary mode takes advantage of the inertia provided by the user’s trunk when leaning forward. By starting the movement in a dynamic pose, the resulting sit-to-stand transition is more efficient and smooth, requiring less physical effort from the patient.
 

ABLE Exoskeleton has also a special feature to facilitate the sit-to-stand transition for those users who have more spasticity. In this mode, hip extension in the final phase of the sit-to-stand movement is done extremely slowly to prevent the appearance of extensor spasms.

All these functionalities have been developed by our engineers, working hand in hand with therapists and patients to achieve a clinically meaningful device that optimally solves their needs.

Explore ABLE Exoskeleton’s different possibilities to perform sit-to-stand transitions, with solutions that fit various patient needs.

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ABLE Exoskeleton has 3 different ways to initiate steps, adapting to the patient’s evolution throughout the rehabilitation process:

  • Manual: The therapist decides when to start each step by pressing 2 buttons (right or left) located on the handles in the back of the exoskeleton. This mode provides greater security and control for the therapist, and is usually used during the first sessions to familiarize the patient with the device.
  • Center of mass: In this mode, the patient can decide when to initiate each step by shifting their body weight laterally and forward until reaching a certain threshold. During this mode, the mobile app displays the top-view projection of the centre of mass with respect to the position of their feet. This continuous visual feedback allows patients and therapists to work on proprioception, being a useful tool to correct and guide the patient’s posture.
  • Dynamic: More advanced patients can initiate steps by moving the pelvis forward, which is the natural movement we make when walking. This allows them to achieve a faster and more dynamic gait pattern.
 

Additionally, while using all those walking modes, the level of assistance provided by the motors of the exoskeleton can be adjusted independently and asymmetrically for each joint and gait phase.

This level of personalization allows ABLE Exoskeleton to adapt to a wide range of patients with neurological impairments, which is key for successful implementation into clinical practice.

Adaptability is key in rehabilitation. Discover ABLE Exoskeleton’s customizable gait modes and walking settings, evolving with every patient’s progress and needs.

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ABLE Exoskeleton has multiple accessories, designed to adapt its operation to the particularities of each patient.
Firstly, through the optional upper trunk extension module with shoulder straps, you can always match the patient’s support level to their actual needs.

Some patients do not require high exoskeleton support because their torso is relatively functional, for example, lower spinal cord injuries. They might complain that a conventional exoskeleton restricts them too much due to its high rigid support, and therefore feel unnatural in it. With ABLE this problem does not occur, because the exoskeleton provides support at a lower level as a standard, allowing the patient to activate their trunk muscles.

You only use the optional extension module with shoulder straps when it is really needed, for example with high spinal cord injured patients, providing additional trunk support and postural alignment.

More advanced patients can use a wireless remote controller in the walker or crutches. This gives them greater independence, allowing them to control all the transitions of the exoskeleton, from sitting to standing, and from there to walking or sitting again, and even access to the turning assist mode by themselves.

See ABLE Exoskeleton’s modular design and its optional features like the trunk extension for optimal support and a wireless remote controller to enhance patient independence.

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Today’s world is digital, and that’s how the ABLE Exoskeleton has been conceived too! Our mobile app wirelessly synchronizes with the exoskeleton to enhance the rehabilitation experience, enabling a personalized and data-driven therapy.

During the initial assessment, the app suggests step-by-step what to do, showing how to take patient measurements in order to prepare the exoskeleton for the session. There are no paper forms to be filled! Each measurement, gait parameter or session data is securely stored in the application.

An intuitive screen makes it easy to switch between different modes. The settings that define the gait pattern such as step length or swing time can be modified by the therapist during walking, without having to stop, and are automatically updated before the next step is taken. Parameters are then saved to the patient profile so they can be immediately used in the next therapy session.

The smartphone can be easily attached and removed from the back of the exoskeleton, providing feedback to both the therapist and the patient. Metrics are displayed during the session to quantify gait performance in real-time, including verticalization time, step count, step length symmetry, and many more! These historical statistics can be accessed later from our cloud, providing an objective way to track each patient’s progress.

The mobile app is also used to report device faults or any feedback for improvement, ensuring a timely and effective communication with our customer support team!

Step into the future with ABLE Exoskeleton’s mobile app, ABLE Care, offering real-time feedback, session tracking, and intuitive controls for personalized therapy.

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In this last episode of the video series, we will cover a few last details that make the ABLE Exoskeleton stand out from other solutions:

Our unique turning assist feature, where the hip motors of the device help the patient to turn around in 90-degree increments. Forget about self-pushing from the walker or the therapist having to push from the back! Our exoskeleton assists actively in making turns in narrow spaces like a hallway.

Worried about skin issues? The parts of the exoskeleton in contact with the user’s body like the shank support or the sacral part are protected with a special gel that distributes the pressure homogeneously, preventing skin injuries and bruises.

The exoskeleton is powered by 2 batteries, which last approximately 3 hours of continuous clinical use. This varies depending on the type of user: for patients who require a lot of assistance, the battery could last 2 hours and for others who preserve more functionality, it could last about 4 hours. In any case, the exoskeleton includes an extra battery set so you can swap batteries and continue using the device all day.

Have you had bad experiences with robotics in terms of technical service? At ABLE we have tried to simplify the design as much as possible to reduce the number of technical incidents and the cost of associated repairs. A clear example is the foot modules, a part that historically is problematic in terms of durability due to its high loads and wear. At ABLE, our foot modules are solely made of mechanical parts, reducing the cost of possible repairs by not having to change electronic components or sensors.

And last but not least: thanks to disruptive innovations, the final price of the ABLE Exoskeleton is lower than other solutions, making it accessible to more clinics and allowing more patients to benefit from advanced rehabilitation technology.

Not convinced yet? Discover the final features that make the ABLE Exoskeleton unique: from innovative turning assistance to a durable and simplified design that reduces service issues —all at a very competitive price!

Need more info? Or a demo in your clinic?

If you would like more information about the ABLE Exoskeleton, have any questions, or even want a demonstration of the device in your clinic, don’t hesitate and reach out!

Contact us!
ABLE Exoskeleton walking
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