For Caroline Laubach, being a test pilot for Wandercraft isn’t just about exploring new technology. It’s about reconnecting with a sense of freedom that’s often lost for wheelchair users. As a spinal stroke survivor who relies on a wheelchair, Laubach has been pivotal in showcasing a prototype exoskeleton equipped with an individual’s AI.
“When I’m in the exoskeleton, it’s like I can breathe again,” Laubach shared. “I get to walk around and engage with people at eye level instead of looking up all the time.”
She expressed that it enhances her visibility and makes it easier to connect with others. Right off the bat, she noticed how versatile the exoskeleton is, able to navigate various obstacles. The vision for this technology is—to enable users to seamlessly integrate into daily life anywhere.
This personal journey exemplifies Wandercraft’s mission of enhancing mobility and independence for individuals everywhere.
Personal Mission, Global Aim
Nicholas Simon, one of the company’s co-founders, started with a deeply personal challenge. Having witnessed his family struggle with a genetic condition that affected mobility, he dreamed of a solution. Drawing on his background as a student and robotics enthusiast, Simon, alongside Matthieu Masselin and Jean-Louis Constanza, founded Wandercraft in 2012. They aimed to create technology that helps those like his brother walk again.
With a goal to provide Advanced Mobility Solutions to around 80 million wheelchair users globally, they set out with both simplicity and ambition in mind.
Bridging Clinics and Everyday Life
The first exoskeleton, Atalante X, has already assisted over 100 clinics and research centers worldwide. Approved by the FDA and in the European market, it allows for substantial rehabilitation time, helping countless individuals regain mobility and independence.
However, the vision extends beyond the current capabilities. Wandercraft is now testing personal exoskeleton prototypes in clinical trials across New York and New Jersey. These are made for everyday use—at home, at work, and in the community. Utilizing Nvidia’s AI, these units can adapt intuitively to user movements, ensuring stable walking across different surfaces.
AI’s Role in Enhancing Functionality
A significant breakthrough comes from Wandercraft’s collaboration with Nvidia. Using Nvidia Isaac SIM, a sophisticated simulation tool, they can refine the exoskeletons in virtual settings before real-world application. This approach helps ensure that the device can match the pace of daily life, managing tasks like crossing streets and navigating stairs.
Simon emphasizes, “It’s essential that the exoskeleton can operate faster than real-world scenarios. With Nvidia AI, users should be able to maintain a normal walking speed, cross roads, and handle steps.”
Beyond Mobility: Health and Social Impacts
Wandercraft aims to bring more than just mobility through its technology. The company has established its Atalante X-Walk Center in Manhattan, a pioneering facility that partners with licensed physical therapists. It focuses on aiding those with neurological conditions to move better and, ultimately, to walk again.
At this center, movement is treated as a vital part of health. Patients receive specialized assessments and engage in sessions using the exoskeleton, all tailored to individual needs. The therapy is designed to be professional yet supportive, tracking progress to optimize outcomes.
Moreover, New York Walk incorporates cutting-edge technology beyond just the exoskeleton, offering real-time feedback and virtual reality tools to make rehabilitation more engaging and effective.
Looking Ahead: The Next Steps for Wandercraft
Wandercraft is working towards the FDA’s approval for individual exoskeletons, hoping to make these devices accessible to millions of wheelchair users in the U.S. and beyond. They’re also recruiting participants for clinical trials, as they explore possibilities for Medicare coverage in the future.
If you’re an adult over 18 with specific mobility challenges, you might be eligible to participate. Wandercraft assists in creating a network of helpers to ensure participants have support throughout the trial process.
A Bright Future for Mobility
Despite the technological progress made in recent decades, numerous individuals still rely on wheelchairs. With real insights from individuals like Laubach, Wandercraft’s personal exoskeleton offers a hopeful new path towards freedom and independence.
This technology isn’t just about making life easier; it’s about empowering individuals to connect with others and actively shape their lives. Each step taken brings us one step closer to a future of enhanced mobility and opportunities.
