Wandercraft has released an exoskeleton that will help patients get back on their feet after a stroke.

January 23, 2023

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Wandercraft's Atalante exoskeleton for the rehabilitation of stroke patients with leg problems. It is reported that the exoskeleton will be especially useful for those who need to restore their walking skills, but have limited mobility.

The Atalante is a self-balancing, gait-adjustable device that will assist in the recovery of gait as part of rehabilitation therapy. Rehabilitation with the use of Atalante must be carried out in a clinic in the presence of a doctor. However, for the use of the device, it does not matter to what extent the patient retained the mobility of the hands after a stroke.

Wandercraft is reportedly planning to ship the first exoskeletons to the US during the first quarter of the year. The company has recently launched commercial use of its equipment in the country. According to its investor, Quadrant Management, Wandercraft is able to significantly increase the production of exoskeletons within 1-2 years.

The FDA gives approval for the sale of exoskeletons extremely rarely and their use is limited to helping with certain patient conditions. For example, last year, Ekso Bionics received FDA approval to sell EksoNR exoskeletons for the rehabilitation of patients with multiple sclerosis.

In the US, more than 795,000 people suffer a stroke every year, and Wandercraft Atalante can help some of them regain the ability to move independently, without the use of a wheelchair.