Engineering “Life-Changing”

Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Make STEAM Work For You

This post and podcast are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional with any medical questions. "Every single person that walks in the (exoskeleton) is the best experience," says Wandercraft Co-Founder and CEO Jean-Louis Constanza. Paris-based medical device company Wandercraft has developed the world's most advanced robotic exoskeleton, or "exo". Called "Atalante", the exo is self-balancing, designed to emulate a realistic human walk. And Atalante allows walking-impaired people to regain mobility--without having to use crutches for balance. For Jean-Louis, the innovation started with a question from his then-five-year-old son, Oscar. "You're a robotics engineer. Why don't you make a robot (that'll help me walk instead of using a wheelchair)?" Jean-Louis began exploring the answer to that question. The ultimate result was seen worldwide. On video, Oscar, now in his teens, comments on being "taller than his father", as he walks, wearing the exo. Dreams, grounded in reality Today, Jean-Louis' dream is that Oscar and his friends may ultimately be walking to their college classes. But for Wandercraft there's also a larger vision: a world where wheelchairs become a thing of the past. Jean-Louis cautions that these goals aren't yet a reality. "(We) don't want to hurt people (by overpromising)," he says. "(But) now we're getting closer to the goal." Currently, the exoskeleton is being used in hospitals and rehabiltation facilities, and going through some clinical trials. Jean-Louis and his team are also polling walking-impaired patients. Their question: what, besides walking, might these individuals like to be able to do, while wearing the exo? Next steps, Jean-Louis says, include streamlining the exo and getting FDA approval in the U.S. Meanwhile, Oscar has walked twice in the exo--and is waiting for a final product for regular use as he continues with his interests and prepares for college in the next few years. Jean-Louis talked about the creation of Wandercraft, previewed some of the ways Adelante is evolving and shared some of his favorite experiences. On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover: How Jean-Louis first discovered his passion for robotics; How Wandercraft, and the Adelante, came about; Some of the challenges involved in creating the exoskeleton; Oscar's experiences walking in the exo; Some of the health challenges affecting people in wheelchairs; How the exoskeleton works (hint: there are several ways a wearer can operate it!); The next steps in the process of developing the exo as a personal device; How the exoskeleton is currently being used; Some of the activities physical therapists and patients are currently suggesting, for exo wearers in the future; What Wandercraft needs most, in terms of support, as they pursue their goals of helping wheelchair users walk; An update on Oscar's activities, as the exoskeleton evolves; How the robot is being engineered, to help wearers move quickly and maintain their balance; Current research which Jean-Louis and his team are conducting, to make the next exo a device its users really love!; A shout-out to their medical partners with whom Wandercraft is currently working; The future vision for the exo, and the current steps Wandercraft is taking to realize that dream.