Technaid S.L. was founded in 2004 as a technological spin-off of the National Research Council of Spain (CSIC) Bioengineering Group (currently Neurorehabilitation Group).
Technaid’s main objective is to transfer knowledge obtained from national and European I+D+i (R&D+i) projects in which the company participates to commercial products framed in the field of technical aids both for able and disabled people.
Their exoskeleton products include:
– Exo-H3,
– Exo-H2,
– Robotic Ankle H3.
C. de Cabo de la Nao, 2, Nave 12,
28500 Arganda del Rey,
Madrid,
Spain
Company Info
Headquarters
2004
Founded
n/a
Funding
Private
Revenue
Exo-H3
Technaid’s latest version of their lower limbs robotic exoskeleton is called the Exo-H3. This updated model features several improvements, making it more versatile, robust, and reliable for research purposes. Some of the enhancements include safety mechanisms such as a power shut-off button and mechanical stops, a wider area for hip attachment, greater mobility ranges for more human-like performance, better electronic integration for an improved form factor, and a redesign of connectors for faster connection.
The Exo-H3 mimics human walking by replicating a pre-defined gait pattern through six actuated joints in the sagittal plane. It can assist individuals who have partially lost the ability to walk after experiencing a stroke, thereby contributing to current neurorehabilitation research. Because it was specifically designed for research purposes, it enables the implementation of custom algorithms and different robotic control strategies. Additionally, it can adapt to different sizes, providing a wide range of possibilities for conducting research.
For instance, the Exo-H3 could be equipped with an on-board computer to interface with the internal Main Controller and a ROS (Robot Operating System) network. Moreover, the Exo-H3 has an Android app interface to operate the basic functions of the exoskeleton, including gait speed, motor assistance, and stand up and sit down commands.
Exo-H2
The Exo-H2 is capable of perfectly emulating the process of human walking, providing an opportunity for individuals with brain injuries or cerebral palsy patients with affected lower limbs to walk using their own legs while wearing the Exo-H2. This can be accomplished with the assistance of a cane, a similar support asset, and/or a healthcare professional.
Moreover, the Exo-H2 is recommended for individuals who have partially lost the ability to walk or need to relearn how to walk following an accident or neurological disease such as spinal injury, cerebrovascular accidents, or any acquired cerebral damage that limits walking ability. It is also beneficial for maintaining leg tone and activating blood circulation in individuals with lower limb mobility loss or muscle weakness.
What sets the Exo-H2 apart from similar exoskeletons is its open architecture, which allows the user, whether a therapist, professor, or researcher, to modify and adjust the system’s control parameters to meet the patient’s specific needs for optimal performance. In contrast, other exoskeletons are entirely closed systems.
The CSIC’s Bioengineering Group conducted many years of research, and they own the Know-How rights for the Exo-H2. They have granted an exclusive license to Technaid S.L. for the design, manufacturing, and commercial exploitation of the system.
Robotic Ankle H3
Technaid’s Robotic Ankle H3 is ideal for research departments dedicated to studying the mobility of a single lower joint. This innovative device enables the control of the amount and speed of movement in the joint, utilizing the same technology found in the successful Exo-H3.
Encoders are integrated into the Robotic Ankle H3 to calculate angular position, while force sensors in the sole measure step forces. As a result, the device contains all necessary systems for immediate use. The included battery pack offers a five-hour lifespan, and the hub allows for both wired connections and wireless communication through Bluetooth or WiFi.
