Ekso Bionics Holdings has bought the Indego exoskeleton line and the remainder of Parker Hannifin’s Human Movement and Management (HMC) enterprise unit. The $10 million deal contains the deliberate growth of robotic-assisted orthotic and prosthetic gadgets, the businesses stated.
“The strategic acquisition of Parker’s uniquely-powered and adjustable Indego exoskeletons considerably builds our product providing and extends our market alternative to the house,” Ekso Bionics government chair Steven Sherman stated. “With the addition of HMC, we intend to develop our world footprint and enhance our market place in decrease extremity robotic merchandise pushed by our shared improvements and modern applied sciences.”
The FDA cleared the Indego lower-limb exoskeleton techniques for medical and private use in 2016. Indego Remedy is cleared for the rehabilitation of sufferers with spinal twine accidents or hemiplegia (one-sided paralysis) from strokes. Indego Private is cleared to assist spinal twine harm sufferers transfer about their properties and communities.
The Indego Remedy and Indego Private exoskeletons are additionally CE marked.
“Indego is among the most superior and broadest vary of powered and clever gadgets for dwelling use, which represents a strategic match for Ekso,” Ekso Bionics CEO Scott Davis stated. “This acquisition is predicted to contribute instantly to our top-line outcomes and set up Ekso as a pacesetter in decrease extremity robotics. Shifting ahead, we plan to proceed exploring future progress alternatives that align with our technique.”
Ekso’s new companion for exoskeleton growth
The acquisition additionally hyperlinks Ekso and Vanderbilt College, the place researchers created the Indego exoskeleton and labored with Parker to commercialize it. Ekso stated it expects the Vanderbilt collaboration will “present a path for future analysis and product growth.”
Based in 2005, San Rafael, California-based Ekso describes itself as the one exoskeleton firm with merchandise that assist paralyzed folks stand and stroll, in addition to help staff of their jobs. The corporate’s EksoNR robotic exoskeleton gained FDA clearance to be used with a number of sclerosis sufferers earlier this 12 months.
“We’re happy to have finalized an settlement with Ekso Bionics as a strategic purchaser for our Human Movement and Management enterprise,” Parker chief expertise and innovation officer Mark Czaja stated in an announcement. “It is a nice expertise with an excellent staff that has constructed a extremely differentiated product providing to assist enhance gait efficiency and outcomes for folks residing with mobility impairments. The acquisition will enable Ekso to leverage their sturdy industrial and medical groups to finally allow this vital expertise to achieve extra sufferers in want throughout the continuum of care.”
Editor’s Be aware: This text was first printed by The Robotic Report’s sister publication Medical Design & Outsourcing and was republished with permission.
