The first FDA approved exoskeleton gets connected capabilities with Vodafone

Vodafone will be connecting the world’s first and only exoskeleton that is FDA cleared for use by both stroke patients and spinal cord injuries

Ekso GT is the FDA approved exoskeleton from Ekso Bionics that will receive Vodafone’s network and global Internet of Things (IoT) SIM.

Vodafone said the IoT SIM will ensure reliable communications for diagnostics and improved access to patient data, helping to improve the user experience with the suit.  

Robotic exoskeletons are ready to wear, battery-powered robots that are strapped over the users’ clothing, enabling individuals to improve mobility, strength, or endurance.

Vodafone Group’s head of IoT for the Americas, Andrew Morawski, said: “The Internet of Things is enabling all types of medical devices to be connected anywhere in the world, which is directly affecting the care that patients are receiving. 

“The focus that Ekso Bionics has on helping stroke and spinal cord injury patients to increase mobility is making a significant impact on the quality of life for its users.”

Thomas Looby, Ekso Bionics’ chief executive officer, said: “We are in business to help people achieve the remarkable and we can do this most effectively with best in class partners.

“We chose Vodafone to provide a single global solution that ensures seamless connectivity, no matter where a rehabilitation hospital is located.

“With Vodafone IoT technology, we can monitor how our exoskeletons are performing in real time, providing therapists with data on how the patients’ rehabilitation is progressing.”