Wandercraft recently started a clinical trial of its the Personal Exoskeleton. The self-balancing exoskeleton is designed to offer upright motion and walking independence for individuals with severe mobility impairments, providing the benefits of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and restoring the feeling of natural walking motion to everyday life.
The clinical trial is being conducted at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, NY. Wandercraft said another clinical trial will soon start at the Kessler Institute for Rehabilitation in West Orange, NJ. The study will assess the safety and effectiveness of the Personal Exoskeleton for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
“The launch of this trial is a major milestone in our journey to redefine what mobility technology can achieve,” said Matthieu Masselin, CEO of Wandercraft. “We’ve seen the profound impact of our exoskeletons in rehabilitation centers, and now we are thrilled to explore how the Personal Exoskeleton could represent a significant leap forward in mobility and walking independence for people with severe walking impairment, starting with SCI, enabling them to walk hands-free without relying on crutches or walkers.”
The Personal Exoskeleton is engineered to adapt to users’ movements in real time, ensuring smooth walking across diverse surfaces such as carpet, concrete, tile, and more. Wandercraft said the device is designed not only for mobility but also for reclaiming everyday joys, whether it’s a walk down the aisle, standing eye-to-eye with loved ones, or embracing the world with newfound confidence.
During the 2024 Olympics, Wandercraft’s Personal Exoskeleton helped carry the Olympic torch as part of the traditional relay. Kevin Piette, who typically uses a wheelchair, became the first user of a self-balancing exoskeleton to walk in torch relay before the Olympics, the company claimed.
Wandercraft’s Personal Exoskeleton. | Credit: Wandercraft
The clinical trial is open to adults 18 and older with complete or incomplete motor SCI (at or above the T6 vertebra) who have (or can get) a physically able companion willing to assist during sessions. For those seeking a companion, Wandercraft is establishing a volunteer network to provide assistance to trial participants. Patients and companions must speak English or communicate effectively with a translator.
Additional information about this clinical trial is available here.
Those who meet these criteria, or are interested in volunteering to be a companion, are encouraged to contact: clinicaltrials@wandercraft.health. More information about the study may be found at: https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06777576?term=wandercraft&rank=4
Wandercraft already offers the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared Atalante X exoskeleton for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCIs). Atalante X, a self-balancing robotic exoskeleton, enables people with limited mobility to stand up and walk again.
Wandercraft raised more than €25 million ($27 million) in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The company said it plans to use the funding to develop its Personal Exoskeleton and to accelerate patient access to Atlante X.
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