Indego Exoskeleton Takes Popular Mechanics Award

Popular Mechanics magazine has given a Breakthrough Innovator Award to the Indego exoskeleton created by a team at Vanderbilt University and licensed by Parker Hannifin Corp.

The wearable exoskeleton uses gyroscopes to enable postural changes as the user walks. The Indego's team touts the exoskeleton's light weight - 27 lbs. - and sleek design as benefits that enable the system to be quickly and more easily put on, taken off and disassembled for transport.

"I am incredibly proud to lead the development of Indego and congratulate the entire team on this exciting win," Achilleas Dorotheou, VP and head of Parker Hannifin's Human Motion & Control business unit, said in a news statement. "I thank Vanderbilt University, Shepherd Center and our clinical trial patients for their partnership, and look forward to exploring where the technology can take us in the future."

Shepherd Center in Atlanta is conducting clinical trials on the Indego. Clinicians at Shepherd Center have tested the Indego with the help of spinal-cord-injury clients, but have said the exoskeleton, which provides electrical stimulation, could also benefit consumers with spina bifida, multiple sclerosis or stroke.

The Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Awards, now in their ninth year, "distinguish winners in fields such as technology, medicine, space exploration and automotive design," according to the news announcement. "Innovators are honored for their inventions that improve the world in new ways, and products are awarded for leading their industries in design and engineering."

The Indego is featured in the November issue of Popular Mechanics, now on newsstands.

About the Author

Laurie Watanabe is the editor of Mobility Management. She can be reached at lwatanabe@1105media.com.