Page 337 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

326 HANDBOOK OF ELECTRONIC ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Ekso requires the use of crutches to ensure stability and safety of the user. The under-
sides of the crutches are fitted with force sensors to ensure firm placement on the ground
and at least partial weight bearing. A step will therefore not be triggered unless both
crutches are firmly on the ground (Contreras-Vidal et al., 2016). This exoskeleton also has
a backpack that contains a battery and the control centre.
EksoGT is the first robotic exoskeleton to be granted FDA clearance for use with stroke
patients. It is approved for:

• Individuals with hemiplegia due to stroke.
• Individuals with SCIs at levels T4–L5.
• Individuals with SCIs at levels T3–C7 (ASIA impairment scale D).
• It is CE marked.

11
INDEGO Indego (also known as the Vanderbilt exoskeleton) is a powered lower limb
exoskeleton designed to enable people with SCIs to walk and for use as a therapy tool.
Indego consists of a hip segment, a right and left thigh segment and a right and left shank
segment. The device is strapped to the user around the waist and actuated at the hip and
knee joints bilaterally.
Each thigh segment is designed with two brushless DC motors, which are used to actu-
ate the hip and knee joints. The system is designed to be used with a standard ankle foot
orthosis to support the ankle and prevent foot drop in the swing phase of gait (Lajeunesse
et al., 2016). It does not have any exposed cables, can be operated wirelessly using a mobile
phone app and does not require a backpack.
The Indego incorporates a modular design enabling patients themselves to quickly
assemble and disassemble the device. Its total weight is 12 kg, which is relatively light com-
pared to other exoskeletons. The lean nature of the device means the user can wear it while
also using a wheelchair. The Indego allows walking, sitting and standing movements but is
not intended for sports or stair climbing.
For use as a rehabilitative tool, Indego comes with a software application, which dis-
plays gait parameters (such as stride length and pace) to aid gait training.
Indego has received FDA clearance to perform ambulatory functions for:

• Individuals with SCIs at levels T3–L5 with supervision of a specially trained
companion.
• Individuals with SCIs at levels C7–L5 to perform ambulatory functions in
rehabilitation institutions.
• People with hemiplegia as a result of stroke to perform ambulatory functions in
rehabilitation institutions.
• The Indego is CE marked.

11 Parker-Hannifin, Ohio, USA: http://indego.com/indego/en/home.