# Vanderbilt exoskeleton

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Powered exoskeleton

Indego Manufacturer Vanderbilt University Parker Hannifin Country United States Year of creation 2010 (prototype) Type Powered exoskeleton Purpose Medical

The **Vanderbilt exoskeleton**, marketed as **Indego**,[1][2] is a [powered exoskeleton](/source/Powered_exoskeleton) designed by the Center for Intelligent Mechatronics at [Vanderbilt University](/source/Vanderbilt_University) in the [U.S. state](/source/U.S._state) of [Tennessee](/source/Tennessee).[3][4] It is intended to assist [paraplegics](/source/Paraplegic), [stroke](/source/Stroke) victims and other paralyzed or semi-paralyzed people to walk independently.[5] Motion and control technologies manufacturer [Parker Hannifin](/source/Parker_Hannifin) is funding further development, and plans to release the first commercial version of the exoskeleton in 2015.[6][7]

## Rationale

In 2012, there were estimated to be over 270,000 Americans with long-term [spinal cord](/source/Spinal_cord) injuries, of whom around 21 percent suffer from complete paraplegia.[8] The lifetime cost of care and lost productivity for each paraplegic ranges from US$1.4 million to $2.2 million.[8] However, since the late 2000s, [robotics](/source/Robotics) and battery technology have become sufficiently advanced to make wearable walking assistance devices viable.[9][10]

## Design

The Vanderbilt exoskeleton weighs 27 pounds (12 kg) and can support users weighing up to 200 pounds (91 kg).[3][4] It is strapped to the user's legs, and uses an onboard computer to detect the user's movements, which are then supported and amplified by battery-powered motors in the exoskeleton's hip and knee joints.[5] It also uses [functional electrical stimulation](/source/Functional_electrical_stimulation) to enervate the muscles of paralyzed patients, improving their strength and [circulation](/source/Circulatory_system),[11] and can be quickly disassembled for removal.[12] It can be used interchangeably with a [wheelchair](/source/Wheelchair), and can be donned without assistance, allowing disabled individuals significantly greater independence.[5] It is compact enough for a person to sit in a normal chair without needing to remove the exoskeleton.[12]

## Development

Vanderbilt University began testing its exoskeleton with paraplegics and medical experts at a rehabilitation center in [Atlanta, Georgia](/source/Atlanta%2C_Georgia), in 2010.[12] In October 2012, Parker Hannifin signed an exclusive licensing agreement with Vanderbilt University for the right to develop and manufacture a commercial version of the exoskeleton, which it plans to release under the name Indego.[6][1] Whereas current commercial exoskeletons can cost as much as $140,000, Parker Hannifin hopes to exploit its manufacturing capabilities and the Vanderbilt model's lightweight design to ensure that the Indego is significantly cheaper.[5] In March 2014, Parker Hannifin entered into clinical trial agreements for the exoskeleton with several major medical rehabilitation centres.[7] In December 2014, Parker Hannifin invested in Freedom Innovations, a California-based prosthetic technology company with which it had a pre-existing partnership, to further the development of Indego.[13] Following regulatory approval, Parker Hannifin plans to release Indego in Europe in 2015 and in the United States in 2016.[7]

## See also

- [Technology portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Technology)

- [Ekso Bionics](/source/Ekso_Bionics)

- [Hybrid Assistive Limb](/source/Hybrid_Assistive_Limb)

- [ReWalk](/source/ReWalk)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Indego_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Indego_1-1) ["Wearable robots getting lighter, more portable"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131004213226/http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130530/LIFE/305300331). *South Coast Today*. May 30, 2013. Archived from [the original](http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130530/LIFE/305300331) on October 4, 2013. Retrieved June 17, 2013.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Parker Hannifin names its new exoskeleton device Indego"](http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20130121/FREE/130129977). [Crain's Cleveland](/source/Crain_Communications). January 21, 2013. Retrieved October 1, 2013.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Medgadget_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Medgadget_3-1) Gene Ostrovsky (October 30, 2012). ["Inspired by Segway Scooter, Vanderbilt Exoskeleton Gets Paralyzed on Their Legs"](http://www.medgadget.com/2012/10/inspired-by-segway-scooter-vanderbilt-exoskeleton-gets-paralyzed-on-their-legs.html). *Rehab*. [Medgadget](/source/Medgadget).com. Retrieved December 12, 2012. Medgadget is an independent journal of the latest medical gadgets, technologies and discoveries written, edited and published by a group of MDs and biomed engineers.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Vanderbilt1_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Vanderbilt1_4-1) ["Powered Exoskeleton"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130327025929/http://research.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/cim/research_orthosis.html). [Vanderbilt University](/source/Vanderbilt_University). Archived from [the original](http://research.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/cim/research_orthosis.html) on March 27, 2013. Retrieved November 29, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Vanderbilt2_5-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Vanderbilt2_5-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Vanderbilt2_5-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Vanderbilt2_5-3) ["Advanced exoskeleton promises more independence for people with paraplegia"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121105061927/http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2012/10/exoskeleton/). Vanderbilt University. October 30, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://news.vanderbilt.edu/2012/10/exoskeleton/) on November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Parker_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Parker_6-1) ["Parker Signs Licensing Agreement with Vanderbilt for Exoskeleton Technology and Targets Commercial Launch in 2014"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121105010737/http://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER/menuitem.31c35c58f54e63cb97b11b10237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=428cfd3fbfaaa310VgnVCM100000200c1dacRCRD&vgnextchannel=9104fbdc71fd7310VgnVCM100000200c1dacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default). [Parker Hannifin](/source/Parker_Hannifin). October 30, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.parker.com/portal/site/PARKER/menuitem.31c35c58f54e63cb97b11b10237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=428cfd3fbfaaa310VgnVCM100000200c1dacRCRD&vgnextchannel=9104fbdc71fd7310VgnVCM100000200c1dacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default) on November 5, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CrainsC_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CrainsC_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CrainsC_7-2) ["Parker Hannifin enters clinical trial agreements for its Indego exoskeleton"](http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20140304/FREE/140309942/parker-hannifin-enters-clinical-trial-agreements-for-its-indego). Crain's Cleveland. March 4, 2014. Retrieved October 21, 2014.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-UAlabama_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-UAlabama_8-1) ["Spinal Cord Injury Facts & Figures (PDF)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180628172158/https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_figures_docs/Facts%202012%20Feb%20Final.pdf) (PDF). [University of Alabama](/source/University_of_Alabama): National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center. February 2012. Archived from [the original](https://www.nscisc.uab.edu/PublicDocuments/fact_figures_docs/Facts%202012%20Feb%20Final.pdf) (PDF) on June 28, 2018. Retrieved December 12, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["NASA's strange robotic suit could pave way to Mars, make astronauts safe"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121213150942/http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/nasas-strange-robotic-suit-could-pave-way-to-mars-make-astronauts-safe/). Science Recorder. December 11, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.sciencerecorder.com/news/nasas-strange-robotic-suit-could-pave-way-to-mars-make-astronauts-safe/) on December 13, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["I am Iron Man: Top 5 Exoskeleton Robots"](https://web.archive.org/web/20121123183926/http://news.discovery.com/tech/exoskeleton-robots-top-5.html). *Discovery News*. [Discovery News](/source/Discovery_News). 2012. Archived from [the original](http://news.discovery.com/tech/exoskeleton-robots-top-5.html) on November 23, 2012. Retrieved December 12, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Vanderbilt University steps into the exoskeleton market"](http://www.gizmag.com/vanderbilt-exoskeleton/24815/). *Gizmag*. October 31, 2012. Retrieved December 21, 2012.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CoExist_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CoExist_12-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CoExist_12-2) ["This Light, Affordable Exoskeleton Could Help The Paralyzed Walk Again"](http://www.fastcoexist.com/1680940/this-light-affordable-exoskeleton-could-help-the-paralyzed-walk-again#1). *Co.Exist*. Fast CoExist. November 28, 2012. Retrieved November 29, 2012.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Parker Hannifin strengthens Indego exoskeleton development efforts with investment in California company"](http://www.crainscleveland.com/article/20141204/FREE/141209891/parker-hannifin-strengthens-indego-exoskeleton-development-efforts). Crain's Cleveland. December 4, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2015.

## External links

- [Center for Intelligent Mechatronics](http://research.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/cim/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220228141819/http://research.vuse.vanderbilt.edu/cim/index.html) February 28, 2022, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Indego Exoskeleton](http://www.parker.com/portal/site/Market-Tech/menuitem.e9f921bc8ae21676de92b210237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=1914d3ae3339a310VgnVCM100000200c1dacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140329072731/http://www.parker.com/portal/site/Market-Tech/menuitem.e9f921bc8ae21676de92b210237ad1ca/?vgnextoid=1914d3ae3339a310VgnVCM100000200c1dacRCRD&vgnextfmt=default) March 29, 2014, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine) via Parker Hannifin website

- [2012 YouTube video of the exoskeleton in action](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRAEfKb_rWQ)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Vanderbilt exoskeleton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanderbilt_exoskeleton) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vanderbilt_exoskeleton?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.