Robopedics creates Awake, a lightweight bionic walking aid that powers the hip and knee of a single impaired leg to let post‑stroke hemiplegic patients stand and walk independently. By using commercial components and 3D‑printed parts, the device costs under €15,000 and is designed for everyday outdoor use without continuous medical supervision.
Funding
$610K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
Stroke survivors with hemiplegia often lose the ability to walk, resulting in lifelong dependence on wheelchairs and associated health, social, and emotional complications. Approximately 20‑25% of stroke patients are unable to ambulate without full physical assistance, limiting their independence and quality of life.
Solution
Robopedics has developed Awake, a personal bionic walking aid that assists the impaired lower limb of post‑stroke hemiplegic patients. The device combines compact electric actuators at the hip and knee with integrated electronics to provide powered support for standing and walking, enabling users to move independently without continuous medical supervision. Awake is designed for everyday outdoor use, is lightweight (≈6 kg), and can be fitted quickly by the user. By leveraging commercial components and 3D‑printed parts, the system is priced below €15 000, making it substantially more affordable than conventional exoskeletons. Clinical experts endorse the technology, and a pilot testing program is available to validate individual suitability.
Target Audience
Primary users are individuals with post‑stroke hemiplegia who retain some ability to stand with support and seek a personal, affordable solution to regain independent walking.
Features
- Single‑leg actuation with electric motors driving hip and knee joints for assisted gait
- Integrated sensor suite for balance monitoring and adaptive assistance
- Compact, ergonomic design weighing ~6 kg and easy to don/doff without assistance
- Modular construction using commercial off‑the‑shelf parts and 3D‑printed components to reduce cost
- Battery‑powered operation providing several hours of autonomous use in daily environments
- User‑friendly interface for self‑calibration and control without medical supervision