Below is an AI-generated summary of the newsletter:
This week in wearable robotics: Matt Marino joins the Humotech podcast to tackle exoskeleton adoption, HAPO partners with MicroAire to enter the U.S. surgical market, Lifeward’s ReWalk 7 gains FDA clearance, and new research explores combining FES with exos for stroke recovery. Plus, Kawasaki humanoid robots to assist with sit-to-stand robots, and China’s aging population drives demand for mobility aids.
Week #12 (March 20, 2025):
🎧 Podcast Feature
Humotech S2E8 with Matt Marino: Discusses the real-world success of exoskeletons in reducing injuries and the remaining barriers to adoption (e.g., education, communication, cost-benefit).
🤝 Industry Partnership
HAPO + MicroAire: $500K/year deal to distribute ergonomic exos for cosmetic surgeons in the U.S., manufactured in Kentucky.
📆 Event Announcement
WearRAcon Europe 2025: Scheduled for Nov 5–6 in Düsseldorf; recap video of 2023 now available.
🦿 Regulatory & Product News
ReWalk 7 FDA Clearance: Lifeward gets the green light to sell upgraded ReWalk 7 in the U.S.
Case Report: Weight-bearing exo reawakens one patient’s hunger perception during PT.
FES + Exo Glove Study: New research from TUM shows that combining functional electrical stimulation (FES) with an exoskeleton glove significantly improves finger and thumb motion.
📢 Advocacy & Funding
Trexo Podcast Ep. 4 – Advocacy Abby: Practical advice for families on securing financial resources for children with disabilities or rare diseases.
🤖 Robotics Innovation
Kawasaki Sit-Stand Robot: Adaptive humanoid robot assists the elderly in sit-to-stand motions using dynamic force adjustment and stability criteria.
📊 Research Highlights
Structure vs. Assistance: A new study suggests that the physical structure of a back-assist exoskeleton has a stronger effect on user movement than activation level.
🌏 Consumer Tech & Global Trends
China’s Aging Market: There is a growing demand for elderly mobility aids, with 310M people aged 60+; the silver economy is valued at nearly $1T USD.
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Onerzia Wins iF Design Award: Sports-focused exoskeleton “Onflowus” recognized.
Humotech Finalist: Shortlisted for 2024 Emerging Company of the Year by Life Sciences PA.
📈 Newsletter Stats (Feb 2025)
• 1,128 Subscribers
• 34% Open Rate
• 38 New Subscribers
🙏 Shoutouts
Thanks to Patreon supporters —
Main Tier: SupperEssence, Karl, George Woodland, Stefano Toxiri
V.I.P.: Volker Bartenbach, Rita Vazquez-Torres, MinMar
Corporate: Humotech, Auxivo, HeroWear, Digity
Add Comment