RICHMOND, Calif., Oct. 04, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ekso Bionics Holdings, Inc. (EKSO), a robotic exoskeleton company, today announced it recently has shipped the first device incorporating SmartAssist, its next generation gait therapy software, allowing the company to expand the range of patients who can participate in robotic therapy.
The SmartAssist technology, which is currently available for Ekso GT devices in Europe, offers new options to therapists for customizing training in gait and balance. The SmartAssist software allows physical therapists to vary the support of the device for each leg independently – from full power to free walking – and thereby meet the specific needs of patients. This capability enables the Ekso GT to rehabilitate a larger range of patients, from those too weak to walk to those who are nearly independent.
“SmartAssist has definitely made a change to how we use the exoskeleton and broadened the spectrum of conditions we can use it for,” commented Louis Martinelli, Neurological Physiotherapist at Hobbs Rehabilitation in Winchester, England. “The therapists can now adjust the settings to vary the support we give, not only to the swing phase but the stance phase of gait, giving the participant access to an optimal walking pattern.”
The Ekso GT with SmartAssist is a comprehensive gait therapy tool that can support a broad spectrum of patients. The technology allows patients to be more actively engaged in their rehabilitation than ever before, enabling more activity with higher intensity than previously possible.
“Ekso GT with SmartAssist software was developed to expand the applications for use within clinics. The addition of pre-gait exercises have facilitated earlier mobility for some patients who could not have otherwise been mobile and our new FreeGait advanced mode can help patients progress to community ambulation,” commented Thomas Looby, chief executive officer of Ekso Bionics. “We are excited to offer this as another life changing solution for patients who use our exoskeletons for rehabilitation.”
The SmartAssist software is not yet available in the United States.
About Ekso Bionics®
Ekso Bionics is a leading developer of exoskeleton solutions that amplify human potential by supporting or enhancing strength, endurance and mobility across medical, industrial and defense applications. Founded in 2005, the company continues to build upon its unparalleled expertise to design some of the most cutting-edge, innovative wearable robots available on the market. Ekso Bionics is the only exoskeleton company to offer technologies that range from helping those with paralysis to stand up and walk, to enhancing human capabilities on job sites across the globe, to providing research for the advancement of R&D projects intended to benefit U.S. defense capabilities. The company is headquartered in the Bay Area and is listed on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol EKSO. For more information, visit: www.eksobionics.com.
About Ekso™ GT
Ekso™ GT is the first FDA cleared exoskeleton cleared for use with stroke and spinal cord injuries from L5 to C7. The Ekso GT with smart Variable Assist™ (marketed as SmartAssist outside the U.S.) software is the only exoskeleton available for rehabilitation institutions that can provide adaptive amounts of power to either side of the patient’s body, challenging the patient as they progress through their continuum of care. The suit’s patented technology provides the ability to mobilize patients earlier, more frequently and with a greater number of high intensity steps. To date, this device has helped patients take more than 55 million steps in over 120 rehabilitation institutions around the world.
Forward-Looking Statements
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