GenElek Technologies Launches Robotic Exoskeletons For Paraplegics

GenElek, a New Delhi based health tech startup combines robotics with Artificial Intelligence to manufacture robotic exoskeletons for specially-abled people.

The company was chosen to represent India recently in the Powered Exoskeleton Race at Cybathlon 2020. They were to compete with 17 other international teams and on behalf of GenElek, two former Indian army soldiers from Mohali Paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre were selected to participate in it by wearing the company’s exoskeleton.

The company tailors the exoskeleton equipment based on individual needs and physical features and it aims to help people with paralysis, stroke, and spinal cord injury to have a better life. “The active powered exoskeleton is strapped on to the paralyzed arms and legs, helping the person to stand up from a wheelchair without external support. It helps him/her to sit, stand without dependency, and walk. With training, they can even climb stairs,” says the founder John Ignatius Kujur.

The company also trains the individuals for the first two weeks to get the hang of the artificial exoskeleton. The device was first tried on the two soldiers who were bound to their wheelchairs for a long time and by the third trail they could successfully stand up without anyone’s help.

Notably, the company is India’s first to offer such products by manufacturing them in our homeland and this has proved to be the best alternative for costly abroad devices.