Wandercraft Announces First Participants Enrolled in Clinical Trial of the World’s First Self-Balancing Personal Exoskeleton
Wandercraft, a global leader in robotic exoskeletons, has announced that the first participants have been enrolled in its pivotal clinical trial evaluating the Personal Exoskeleton—the world’s first self-balancing exoskeleton designed for personal use. This milestone marks a critical step in assessing how advanced robotic technology can enable independent, upright mobility for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI).
The trial is being conducted at James J. Peters VA Medical Center in Bronx, NY, and the Kessler Foundation in West Orange, NJ. The study is designed as an interventional, prospective, open-label trial evaluating the safety and real-world functionality of the Personal Exoskeleton for individuals with SCI at T6 or above.
Unlike traditional exoskeletons, which require crutches or walkers for support, Wandercraft’s self-balancing system is designed to facilitate hands-free walking, helping users regain essential mobility functions. The Atalante X, which uses similar technology in rehabilitation settings, received FDA clearance in 2022 for use with stroke patients and obtained another indication for individuals with spinal cord injuries (SCI) less than a year later. The Personal Exoskeleton could represent an opportunity for users to improve mobility and walking independence in their everyday life at home and in the community.
“The enrollment of the first participant in this study is an important step toward understanding how self-balancing exoskeletons may be used in real-world settings,” said Dr. Ann M. Spungen, Senior Research Health Scientist of the Spinal Cord Damage Research Center at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx VA. “This research will help us evaluate the device’s potential impact on mobility and daily function for individuals with spinal cord injuries.”
The Personal Exoskeleton is designed to support everyday activities beyond walking—helping users perform essential movements such as standing at a counter, moving through doorways, and navigating both indoor and outdoor environments. The study will measure how well participants can integrate the exoskeleton into daily life, assessing factors such as ease of movement, endurance, and overall usability.
The study is open to individuals 18 and older with complete or incomplete motor SCI (at or above T6), who have (or could get) a physically able companion available to assist during sessions. Participants must speak English or communicate effectively with a translator.
Individuals interested in learning more can contact clinicaltrials@wandercraft.health.
“Enrolling the first participant in this trial is a major step toward bringing our technologies across the entire continuum of care,” said Matthieu Masselin, CEO of Wandercraft. “By gathering real-world data from individuals with SCI, we are advancing our mission to empower people to walk again in their everyday lives.”
About SCI
SCI is a medically complex condition with no known cure. It can result in a range of impairments, including loss of motor and sensory function in the lower limbs, trunk, and upper limbs, as well as disruptions in autonomic functions such as bladder, bowel, and cardiovascular regulation. Depending on the severity and location of the injury, SCI can also impact breathing, blood pressure, and temperature control.
A recent estimate shows that approximately 17,810 new SCI cases occur annually in the United States, with a total affected population of around 294,000 individuals. Research into advanced mobility solutions, such as robotic exoskeletons, continues to be a priority in addressing the needs of individuals with SCI.
About Wandercraft
Wandercraft is on a mission to give everyone the opportunity to stand up and walk in their everyday lives. Known for the first-of-its-kind Personal Exoskeleton, Wandercraft is building the next generation of solutions to restore walking ability at home and in rehabilitation, including the Atalante X—a revolutionary tool in use within inpatient and outpatient rehab centers worldwide.
By blending advanced robotics with a deeply human purpose, Wandercraft aims to provide new options for movement and soon transform the way wheelchair users experience walking mobility in their everyday lives. Committed to innovation and accessibility, Wandercraft welcomes collaboration with rehabilitation centers, healthcare professionals, and the broader community of wheelchair users to expand opportunities in modern mobility. For more information, visit www.wandercraft.eu.
Media Contact
Lilly Kofler
Global Head of Marketing & Communications
lilly.kofler@wandercraft.health