A medical company is helping children afflicted with disabilities take their first steps by working to provide such youths with new robotic legs.
Trexo Robotics, a Canada-based medical company, is dedicated to providing or restoring mobility for children afflicted with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, Rett syndrome, stroke, and more. To accomplish this, the company has developed robotics to help children stay healthy and active.
“Trexo Robotics is on a mission to redefine mobility solutions for all people. We envision a future where robots can be used to help people of all ages and abilities,” states the company, according to its website. “A future where robotics can be used to reduce any type of human effort.”
Kristen Gibson’s 5-year-old son, Beckett, who was born with cerebral palsy, recently took his first steps using the new technology. His mother recounted the emotional experience of seeing her child walk.
“I was getting teary-eyed because it just is a first, it’s a first, not something I expected to see anytime soon,” said Gibson, according to Fox 4 KDFW. “It is really special.”
Some 350 children have benefitted from this technology since the company’s launch in 2019. Trexo Robotics CEO and founder Manmeet Maggu said that insurance companies will start funding the company’s efforts on a case-by-case basis as the health benefits are revealed through clinical studies.
Recent advances in technology continue to help people recover portions of their lives. For instance, a custom-made prosthetic for Rockwall-Heath High School senior Brooke Walker allowed her to resume cheerleading for her last year, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Maggu said he created the company due to a personal connection he had with one of his family members.
“A few years ago, I found out my nephew was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, and we learned that he would never be able to walk,” said Maggu, per Fox 4. “The thought of my nephew never taking his first steps inspired us to find a solution.”
Maggu explained that the robotic system works with a powered hip, a powered knee joint, and a passive ankle.
Arlene Chrisman described the experience of watching her two-year-old son afflicted with Rett Syndrome walking as “amazing.” Chrisman’s son’s illness is terminal; however, this technology has the potential to slow down the process of her son’s muscles becoming stiffer.
“Something like this would help to prevent that from happening, increase mobility, increase movement,” said Chrisman, according to Fox 4.
