Company Profile
Vision: To Deliver Mobility to Wheelchair Users through Advanced Technology Robotics
Rex Bionics Ltd is the global technology leader in robotic exoskeletons (Rex). Uniquely Rex provides independent mobility to wheelchair users and other mobility impaired persons using advanced robotic technology, custom-designed electromechanical actuators, precision engineering, and specialised networking systems.
The device is designed to enable its users to stand, walk, scale stairs and navigate slopes.
Rex Bionics' innovation in robotics provides extensive and varied benefits to Rex users who have a unique combination of lifestyle and medical needs. There is extensive public data available which emphasises the health benefits for a person standing and walking.
The demographics are well known: the significant majority of mobility impairments are the result of degenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). However there are a large number of spinal cord injuries (SCI) - for example in the USA alone there are some 12,000 SCI injuries each year and a total SCI population of 750,000 in the USA. Of these 75% are male, under 65 and capable of using Rex.
Wheelchair users can suffer from multiple health issues arising from lack of mobility and the secondary complications of wheelchair use: urinary tract, bowel, cardiovascular, metabolic and skin related problems allied to psychological conditions all contribute to significant morbidity, care costs and increased mortality.
There are multiple Rex devices designed for different needs. The use of Rex in rehabilitation centres enables medical providers and clinicians to provide extensive benefits in mobility, whereas the Rex user at home is able to perform tasks and functions previously unavailable.
Research centres and universities are using Rex to better understand the comprehensive and complex world of robotics technology to enhance the lives of people.
The original design and prototype for Rex emphasised the importance of working closely with potential users. The machine evolved joint by joint, building first the knee, actuating the knee, then controlling the knee, then the ankle. Each joint uses complex geometry and precisely orchestrated actuators; the exoskeleton's "bones" swivel around virtual pivots.
The key differentiator of Rex is the fact that it has been designed from the outset to provide mobility to non ambulatory wheelchair users rather than as a means to enable otherwise fit individuals to lift supra-physiological loads, enhance endurance or aid mobility of those able to walk with crutches.
The original robotic exoskeleton concept was designed from 2003 with the first prototype finalised in 2007, formally launched in 2010 and commercially available for purchase in 2011.
Today there are two primary Rex devices available, an adjustable Rex "Rehab Rex" for use in rehabilitations centres and Rex, a streamlined, fit-for-purpose made for each individual's specific medical and physical requirements.
Founded in New Zealand Rex Bionics is a rapidly growing, exciting innovative organisation which is proud to provide advanced robotics technology to people everywhere.