AlterG
| Industry | Medical devices |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2005 |
| Founder | Sean Whalen |
| Headquarters | Fremont, California, USA |
Key people |
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| Products | Treadmills, bionic legs |
| Owner |
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Number of employees | 60 (2019) |
| Website | www |
AlterG, Inc. operates within the medical device sector, focusing on products designed to improve mobility for both rehabilitation and athletic performance enhancement. Its primary offering, the Anti-Gravity Treadmill, has evolved into multiple versions including the M/F320, Via 400 and 400X, as well as the Pro 200 and Pro 500.
On August 11, 2023, AlterG was purchased by ReWalk Robotics in a transaction valued at $19 million. The company was established in 2005 by Sean Whalen in Fremont, California, with Charles Remsberg currently serving as CEO.
History
The original Anti-Gravity Treadmill prototype was created by Sean Whalen and his father, leveraging NASA’s technology to develop a treadmill capable of reducing user weight through differential air pressure. Early users included the Nike Oregon Project, renowned runner Alberto Salazar, and professional sports franchises such as the Oakland Raiders and Golden State Warriors.
By 2007, teams like the Washington Wizards had adopted the P200 model for training purposes; by the following year, numerous NBA and NFL teams had incorporated it into their training facilities. In 2008, the U.S. FDA granted clearance for this treadmill—then known as the G-Trainer—as a medical device intended for rehabilitation.
AlterG’s equipment has been applied in treating lower limb injuries, improving aerobic conditioning, gait training for neurological conditions, and strength conditioning in older adults.
In 2011, Steve Basta, a graduate of Johns Hopkins in biomedical engineering, assumed the role of CEO. Two years later, in 2013, AlterG broadened its product range through the acquisition of Tibion Corporation and introduced the Bionic Leg to its lineup. The company’s strategic development ultimately led to its acquisition by ReWalk Robotics in 2023.
Technology
All manufacturing and assembly of AlterG’s devices occur at its Fremont, California headquarters. The Anti-Gravity Treadmills and Bionic Leg incorporate proprietary patented technologies.
Differential air pressure
The core technology behind AlterG’s products—differential air pressure—originated from NASA’s efforts to help astronauts maintain fitness during space missions. In 2012, NASA purchased the P200 treadmill model specifically for astronaut training purposes. AlterG holds the patent rights for this technology that enables adjustment of a user’s effective body weight on the treadmill from as low as 20% up to full body weight.
In recognition of its innovation in sports technology, AlterG was named by Fast Company in 2013 as one of the top ten most innovative companies. The FDA has approved the Anti-Gravity Treadmill M320 for use across medical environments such as hospitals, physical therapy centers, and skilled nursing facilities; this model can support weight reduction of up to 80%.
The F320 model introduced in 2013 is categorized as a fitness device and does not possess certain electrical interference certifications required for hospital settings. Professional athletes often prefer Pro series Anti-Gravity Treadmills due to their capability to reach maximum speeds of 18 mph.
Intention-Based Therapy
The innovation behind the Bionic Leg was created by Bob Horst. This externally worn, battery-powered brace incorporates sensors and robotic components that detect shifts in weight and apply supportive force to aid movement. It employs foot-based sensors to anticipate the user's actions during activities such as walking, sitting, and standing.
In Professional Sports
The Anti-Gravity Treadmill developed by the company enjoys widespread use among professional sports franchises and collegiate programs. Teams such as the Seattle Seahawks, Miami Heat, Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, Washington Wizards, Golden State Warriors, Oakland Raiders, New York Jets, Atlanta United FC, Texas Rangers, Green Bay Packers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Lions, Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Toronto Blue Jays, Philadelphia 76ers, and Hawthorn Hawks have incorporated this technology. Additionally, US Olympic Training Centers utilize this equipment.
Prominent NBA players including Kobe Bryant and LeBron James rely on the Anti-Gravity Treadmill for both training and injury recovery purposes. Marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe is also a notable user. NFL quarterback Tom Brady has acquired two units for his personal training regimen. This product underscores the company's deliberate emphasis on targeting professional sports markets to stimulate growth and increase its market presence.
In Medicine
The company’s offerings are also employed extensively within medical institutions and physical therapy facilities to support rehabilitation efforts. Leading healthcare organizations in the United States such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, Mayo Clinic, University of San Francisco, UNC Health Care, and Stanford Medical Center count among its key customers. These collaborations demonstrate the company’s significant influence and strategic foothold in the healthcare sector.