Research and public funding boost revolutionary personal exoskeletons for children

The headquarters of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC in Spanish) hosted the presentation of the first results of the EXPLORER project, an ambitious research and development initiative aimed at promoting the integration and participation of children with gait impairments by creating the first set of exoskeletons for domestic use. The prototype presented is a children's exoskeleton designed for personal use that can be utilized both at home and outdoors.

This breakthrough results from collaboration between Marsi Bionics, CSIC, and the four major hospitals in Madrid (La Paz University Hospital, 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Niño Jesús Children’s University Hospital and Gregorio Marañón University Hospital), with support from the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities through the PERTE for Vanguard Health.

Marsi Bionics had already succeeded in developing, in collaboration with CSIC, ATLAS 2030, the world's first pediatric exoskeleton, although its use was restricted to clinical settings, limiting daily use for families. EXPLORER was born precisely from the demand of the children themselves, who asked to use it in their own homes. This prototype represents a significant step forward by transferring technology to everyday environments, allowing children with reduced mobility to walk at home, at school, or in the street.

This was highlighted by Elena García Armada, CEO of Marsi Bionics and one of the most renowned scientists in our country. In her speech, she emphasized the importance of developing technology with a social impact while also ensuring its accessibility. To this end, she stated, “to encourage innovation and promote investment that does not overlook advances that could change the world, public support and funding are essential”.

An example of transformative investment

This development has been made possible thanks to a total investment of 2.2 million euros from the European Next Generation EU Funds. Marsi Bionics has received 903,313 euros through the CDTI, while the CSIC has received 789,303 euros from the Instituto de Salud Carlos III. The Hospitals of the Community of Madrid belonging to the SERMAS that have formed part of the consortium that has developed the prototype have received 664,072 euro of these funds.

EXPLORER is an example of the positive impact of European funds on healthcare and families' lives. It is not just a technological breakthrough; it will be a real solution for thousands of children with reduced mobility.

Raquel Yotti, PERTE for Vanguard Health Commissioner, has emphasized that through a novel instrument of public-private collaboration—such as the joint call launched by the CDTI and the ISCIII in 2022, which distributed funds of almost 21 million euros—tangible results are already being achieved. These results not only serve to improve citizens' welfare but also act as an engine for development and economic growth in the health sector.

First exoskeleton to move from clinic to home

This device, still at the prototype stage and pending CE marking, introduces a paradigm shift as it will enable home-based exoskeleton technology for personal and everyday use, once certification is obtained and marketing begins.

This new personal exoskeleton has four motors that mimic natural muscle function and two operating modes: a movement intention mode where the exoskeleton complements the user's strength to assist walking, and an automatic mode where movement is constant at the selected speed. It also features an innovative automatic seat that transforms the device into an integrated reclining chair, facilitating continuous use and comfort in the child's daily life.

Each device will adapt to the child's growth, accommodating ages from approximately 2 to 17 years, supporting the entire developmental period.

Outdoor use will promote not only rehabilitation but also inclusion and participation in daily activities, such as playing in the park, moving around the city, or participating in family leisure activities with greater autonomy.

For the development of this exoskeleton, nearly 30 researchers from the four main hospitals in the Community of Madrid have worked closely with both families and Marsi Bionics engineers.

Olga Arroyo, Head of the Rehabilitation Service at Gregorio Marañón University Hospital and President of the Spanish Society of Pediatric Rehabilitation, said that “work has been especially focused on conducting a clinical trial to ensure the safety and efficacy of the device. Almost 50 families have actively participated in sessions both at home and outdoors. The aim is to bring the latest technologies closer to the child's immediate environment by encouraging their active participation”.

CSIC, a key player in research and development

The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) has been a fundamental pillar of the project. With a team of 15 researchers from the Centre for Automation and Robotics (CAR-CSIC-UPM), it has contributed its extensive experience in robotics applied to healthcare, laying the scientific foundations for this advance and supporting the clinical validation of the device. This validation will enable its commercialization in the coming months, marking a milestone in gait rehabilitation approaches worldwide.

This was emphasised by Eloísa del Pino, President of the CSIC, who highlighted the public sector's involvement and drive in developing transformative technologies that improve lives. According to del Pino, “The collaboration between CSIC and Marsi Bionics exemplifies how technology transfer can generate innovative solutions with a profound social impact. This exoskeleton is a testament to the power of science when put at the service of people, and Marsi Bionics is a successful example of the creation of a knowledge-based company from a public institution such as the CSIC”.

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