Necessity is the mother of invention, and four friends in Kerala, realising the need for a device to help a grandfather with lower-limb disabilities, successfully developed a ground breaking wearable device to address mobility challenges by harnessing the power of robotics, machine learning, and motion capture technology.
Yes, in a remarkable blend of innovation and camaraderie, the four engineering graduates have launched a startup, Astrek Innovations, that successfully developed the wearable device “Unik Exo” to address mobility challenges faced by individuals with lower-limb disabilities.
Vishnu Sankar, Jithin Vidya Ajith, Alex M Sunny, and Robin Kannattu Thomas launched the startup in 2018 after completing their engineering graduation from Vimal Jyothi Engineering College in Kannur.
“We saw how Robin’s grandfather struggled due to lower-limb disability. Right from our college days, we started working on the project to develop a device that could enhance the quality of life of the disabled, providing real-time adaptive support to help them walk or perform routine activities with unprecedented ease and safety. After finishing college, we didn’t want to waste our time. We launched the startup and continued working on the project to develop the product,” Jithin told “Open Digest”.
After four years of research and development, they developed their first product, Unik Exo, which is now undergoing clinical trials at various hospitals in the country.
“Unik Exo is an affordable and effective solution for people with lower-limb disabilities. The device’s uniqueness lies in its adaptability. Powered by a machine learning algorithm, it customizes its movements based on the user’s body mechanics and activity patterns. Motion capture sensors provide real-time data to fine-tune the device’s responsiveness, ensuring seamless movement. The product is more suited for patients who are undergoing rehabilitation,” Jithin added.
Currently, they are collecting feedback from users and healthcare experts to fine-tune their product before commercially launching it in the market.
The product has garnered attention from investors and healthcare professionals. “Through Unik Exo, we aim to enhance the quality of life of disabled people. We hope Unik Exo will transform the lives of millions of people facing mobility challenges,” he added.
