Spanish tech business Marsi Bionics, together with The Superior Council of Scientific Research (CSIC) and four hospitals in Madrid, have debuted the first exoskeleton designed for children to be used not only in clinical settings but also at home and outdoors. The device is set to redefine mobility for youngsters with movement disabilities and improve their independence.

The new prototype, named “Explorer,” has evolved, taking into account demands expressed by children who tried out earlier clinical models. Previously, Marsi Bionics and the CSIC had jointly developed Atlas 2030, the world’s first pediatric exoskeleton. However, Explorer is set to be a more refined version and has been engineered to take that technology into everyday environments: its design is tailored to enable children to walk at home, at school and in the community.

The project has been bolstered by an investment of 2.2 million euros from European Next Generation EU funds. Marsi Bionics received 903,313 euros through the Spanish Centre for the Development of Industrial Technology (CDTI); the CSIC was allocated 789,303 euros via the Instituto de Salud Carlos III; and the consortium’s Madrid hospitals obtained 664,072 euros.

An exoskeleton that replicates natural movement

Technologically speaking, the prototype incorporates four motors that replicate the natural function of muscles, and it offers two modes of operation.

In one mode, the exoskeleton amplifies the user’s own movement intentions to assist with walking, while in the other, the device maintains a constant speed selected by the user. Moreover, according to the business, the novel design includes an automatic seat that converts the exoskeleton into an integrated rest chair, which makes it more comfortable for prolonged use cases.

Importantly, each device is adaptable to a child’s growth, spanning an age range from approximately 2 to 17 years.

Innovations in soft robotics, such as hydraulic filament artificial muscles (HFAM) developed by researchers at UNSW Sydney, are also paving the way for advancements in wearable assistive devices. These breakthroughs could further enhance the flexibility and adaptability of future exoskeletons.

Exoskeleton prototype presentation

At the prototype’s presentation, Elena García Armada, CEO of Marsi Bionics, stressed the importance of developing socially impactful technology. She remarked that creating accessible solutions is essential to “encourage innovation and promote investment that does not leave out advances that could change the world; public support and financing is essential.” In a similar vein, Raquel Yotti, commissioner for the Cutting-Edge Health initiative, praised the joint efforts that have seen nearly 21 million euros distributed through public-private collaborations since 2022.

“Public-private collaboration not only serves to improve the well-being of citizens, but also acts as a driver of development and economic growth in the health sector,” she highlights. Over the coming months, Explorer will undergo further validation and secure its CE marking before reaching the commercial market. Marsi Bionics is optimistic about the certification process as nearly 30 researchers from Madrid’s top hospitals, working alongside 50 families and engineers, have tested the exoskeleton in both domestic and outdoor settings.

“Explorer is an example of the positive impact of European funds on health and on the lives of families. It is not just a technological advance, but will be a real solution for thousands of children with reduced mobility,” notes the Spanish government in a statement.