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Ekso Bionics

From Alfawiki
Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc.
Company typePublic
Template:NASDAQ
Russell Microcap Index component
Founded2005; 21 years ago (2005)
FounderHomayoon Kazerooni, Russ Angold, Nathan Harding
Headquarters
San Rafael, California
,
United States
Key people
  • Scott Davis (CEO)
  • Jerome Wong (CFO)
  • Jason Jones (COO)
Websiteeksobionics.com

Ekso Bionics Holdings Inc. specializes in the design and production of powered exoskeleton systems aimed at improving strength, mobility, and stamina for both industrial workers and individuals experiencing paralysis or mobility challenges due to conditions such as brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, or spinal cord damage. Their technology assists users with lower limb weakness, including paralysis, in standing upright and walking.

The company targets health and industrial applications, with its primary healthcare product being the EksoGT (previously known as eLEGS). Initially, the firm created the Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC), which is currently under military development by Lockheed Martin. Their latest healthcare solution includes EksoNR, designed to support patients undergoing gait retraining.

In December 2022, Ekso Bionics broadened its product range by acquiring the Human Motion & Control division from Parker Hannifin, incorporating the Indego exoskeleton series. This strategic acquisition enabled entry into the personal exoskeleton market for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI), with Medicare reimbursement set to commence in April 2024.

Ekso Bionics has earned notable industry accolades, being recognized as Wired magazine’s second most significant gadget of 2010 and featured among Time magazine's "50 Best Innovations of 2010." Additionally, Inc. magazine identified the company as one of "5 Big Ideas for the Next 15 Years."

Background

Established in 2005 under the name Berkeley ExoWorks by founders Homayoon Kazerooni, Russ Angold, and Nathan Harding from the University of California, Berkeley, the company initially developed exoskeletons named ExoHiker and ExoClimber, capable of supporting loads up to 150 pounds.

In 2007, the firm rebranded to Berkeley Bionics and unveiled the untethered hydraulically powered Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC), designed to carry heavier weights. The public debut of HULC occurred in 2009 alongside an exclusive licensing deal with Lockheed Martin. Berkeley Bionics also introduced eLEGS, a bionic exoskeleton that allows wheelchair users to stand and ambulate.

The company adopted the name Ekso Bionics in 2011 and rebranded eLEGS as Ekso. By 2012, Ekso suits had obtained Class I device registration in US hospitals and secured CE marking within the European Union—important regulatory achievements.

In 2013, Ekso Bionics launched Variable Assist software that provides adaptive power distribution, enhancing its competitive edge in medical exoskeleton technology. The company went public in 2014 to broaden its market presence.

By 2015, development of industrial exoskeleton prototypes had commenced while reinforcing partnerships with leading rehabilitation centers. In 2016, Thomas Looby was appointed interim CEO to accelerate commercialization efforts. That year also marked FDA clearance for use with patients recovering from stroke and spinal cord injuries.

The introduction of SmartAssist software in 2017 upgraded the EksoGT model with pregait features and unrestricted walking capabilities. The release of EksoNR in 2019 further advanced neurorehabilitation options. EksoNR received FDA approval in 2020 for acquired brain injury—the first device cleared for this indication—and again in 2021 for multiple sclerosis treatment.

In 2020, Ekso EVO was launched as a next-generation upper-body industrial exoskeleton evolved from the earlier EksoVest model.

Continuing its expansion via acquisition, Ekso Bionics acquired Parker Hannifin’s Human Motion & Control business unit in December 2022, adding the Indego exoskeleton product line—comprising Indego Therapy and Indego Personal—to its offerings.

HULC

Back in 2009, Berkeley Bionics unveiled the HULC (Human Universal Load Carrier), a sophisticated exoskeleton designed to carry loads up to 200 pounds while decreasing the user's metabolic energy expenditure. This innovation enhances endurance and operational range, making it particularly valuable for military use. In the same year, Berkeley Bionics granted Lockheed Martin the development rights for this technology.

The HULC system supports modular enhancements like the Lift Assist Device, which allows users to manage loads both front and back. This capability effectively enables a single individual to lift weights that would usually necessitate multiple people.

Zero-G

In 2015, Ekso Bionics broadened its product line by acquiring ZeroG from Equipois LLC. ZeroG is a spring-loaded robotic arm engineered to support heavy tools on elevated platforms by transferring the tool's weight to the ground. Its quick attachment feature boosts work efficiency and lowers the chance of injury.

EksoNR (formerly eLEGS, EksoGT)

Introduced in 2010 as eLEGS (Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System), this pneumatically powered exoskeleton allows individuals with paraplegia to stand and ambulate using crutches or a walker. It employs sensor-based controls that detect user intent to facilitate movement, enabling users to independently put on and operate the device.

Rebranded as Ekso in 2011, the device weighs approximately 45 pounds, achieves speeds up to 2 mph, and offers battery life ranging from 2 to 4 hours. It is designed for users weighing up to 220 pounds and standing between 5 feet and 6 feet 4 inches tall. Users must be capable of transferring into a chair to don the device. The exoskeleton supports walking in straight paths, turning, sitting down, and standing without assistance.

The 2013 release of Ekso GT incorporated Variable Assist (known as SmartAssist outside the United States), which delivers adaptive power independently to each leg for rehabilitation centers. This advancement facilitates earlier and more intensive mobilization while adding turning functionality.

In April 2016, the FDA approved EksoGT for use by stroke survivors and spinal cord injury patients with impairment levels up to C7 (ASIA D), marking it as the first exoskeleton cleared for stroke rehabilitation.

In 2017, Ekso Bionics introduced SmartAssist software in the U.S., improving pre-gait exercises and offering greater flexibility during gait training. This update also launched Ekso Pulse, an online platform that monitors patient progress through data tracking.

August 2019 saw the debut of EksoNR, which replaced EksoGT with an upgraded touchscreen controller called EksoView and enhanced software features. EksoNR supports comprehensive care stages including pre-gait activities, multiple walking modes such as backward and lateral stepping, no-trajectory walking, and resistance training.

Subsequent FDA clearances expanded its indications: June 2020 authorized use for patients with acquired brain injuries (including traumatic brain injury), making EksoNR the only exoskeleton approved for this group; June 2021 extended approval to individuals with multiple sclerosis, representing the first exoskeleton cleared for this condition.

In January 2024, Ekso Bionics released GaitCoach software for EksoNR, providing therapists with targeted feedback tools aimed at optimizing gait improvements.

Ekso Indego Therapy (previously known as Vanderbilt Exoskeleton)

Originally developed in 2010 by Vanderbilt University's Center for Intelligent Mechatronics, this powered exoskeleton supports adults with paralysis in achieving independent walking by utilizing patient leg positioning to direct movement.

In October 2012, Parker Hannifin obtained exclusive licensing rights from Vanderbilt to produce and commercialize the device under the name Indego. The system facilitates sit-to-stand, walking, and stand-to-sit motions under the guidance of a clinician. Initially offered as a three-piece kit with small, medium, and large sizes available for each of its five components (hip, two upper legs, and two lower legs), it is designed for patients weighing less than 250 lbs (113.4 kg) with a seated hip width not exceeding 16.5” (42.2 cm).

The Indego gained FDA approval in 2016 for rehabilitation use in spinal cord injury patients from levels T4 to L5. In 2017, this clearance was broadened to cover injuries ranging from C7 to L5, and in 2018 it was further expanded to include individuals affected by hemiplegia resulting from stroke.

Also in 2018, Parker introduced the adjustable Indego Therapy model featuring five modular components—an adjustable hip, two adjustable upper legs, and three adjustable lower leg sizes—enabling patients to independently put on and remove the exoskeleton. This version incorporated the Therapy+ software suite aimed at users who need minimal assistance to improve their gait.

This product line highlights Parker Hannifin’s pioneering role in rehabilitation robotics, strengthening its position within the assistive technology market through continuous innovation and regulatory milestones.

Ekso Indego Personal

The Ekso Indego Personal is designed to help individuals with paraplegia walk both at home and within community settings, intended for use alongside a trained caregiver. Its modular build resembles that of the therapy device; however, the hip and upper leg components are offered in three fixed sizes to ensure a tailored fit.

Powered by the Motion+ software suite, Indego Personal enables users to perform sit-to-stand, walk, and return-to-sit actions. It is compatible with most wheelchair models and can be worn while seated in a car passenger seat. LED indicators provide clear status feedback for both users and their assistants. Most individuals are able to stand and walk during their initial session.

The FDA approved this personal-use device for spinal levels T7 to L5 in 2016, later extending coverage down to T3 in 2018. That same year, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs revised its policy to offer eligible veterans powered exoskeletons at no charge.

In December 2023, the CMS contractor authorized Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Code K1007 for Medicare billing related to the Ekso Indego Personal. By April 2024, CMS finalized reimbursement rates, and in August 2024, Ekso Bionics received its first CMS payment for this device.

EksoUE

Created through collaboration with Johns Hopkins University, EksoUE is an upper-limb exoskeleton intended for clinical rehabilitation administered by trained therapists. It operates as a passive, non-motorized device that employs spring-based assistance to enhance shoulder movements. Its tool-free adjustability combined with an untethered design allows users unrestricted mobility across various settings, setting it apart from larger stationary alternatives such as Tyromotion Diego. Registered as a Class I medical device by the FDA, EksoUE was unveiled in 2019 and made available to select customers beginning in 2020.

Ekso EVO (previously EksoVest)

Introduced in 2018, EksoVest is an industrial upper-body exoskeleton engineered to assist workers by supporting their arms and shoulders during overhead operations. Utilizing spring mechanisms, it operates without the need for batteries or charging, enabling businesses to decrease workplace injuries while enhancing efficiency. By 2019, the product had extended its reach into Northern European markets.

In 2020, Ekso launched the Ekso EVO, a refined iteration of the original EksoVest. This version integrates user insights to deliver enhanced comfort, a more accessible price, decreased heat buildup, and a modern stacked-link structure that reduces contact with the body while preserving robust performance. Continuing to provide spring-driven arm support for overhead industrial tasks, the EVO solidifies Ekso's leadership in advancing workplace safety and productivity.

See also

Other references


External links

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