The Israeli startup ReWalk Robotics signed a collaboration agreement on Monday with Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering to license and develop technology for its lightweight exoskeleton that enables people with mobility limitations to walk.

This “soft suit” robotic system will be the newest development from the company, founded in 2001 with the mission of improving quality of life for individuals with lower-limb disabilities from spinal-cord injury. In addition to helping people walk again, studies have shown that ReWalk leads to improved bladder and bowel function, mental health, posture, balance, and sleep, while reducing fatigue, body fat, and pain.

There are an estimated three million stroke patients with lower-limb disability in the United States, and approximately 400,000 Americans with multiple sclerosis. The majority of these patients, as well as the elderly, do not require the structural support of the rigid exoskeleton designed for individuals with spinal-cord injuries, explained ReWalk CEO Larry Jasinski.

Soft-suit prototypes from the Wyss Institute, powered by software and mechanics similar to those used in the ReWalk system, use cables connected to the legs and feet with fabric.

Jasinski said this collaboration “will help create the next generation of exoskeleton systems, making life-changing technology available to millions of consumers across a host of patient populations.” Commercialization is anticipated before 2019.

The FDA approved ReWalk for home use two years ago.

(via Israel21c)

[Photo: Lulu Kyriacou / WikiCommons ]