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Wandercraft Publishes First Case Study of Exoskeleton Use in Long-Term Care

Wandercraft Publishes First Case Study of Exoskeleton Use in Long-Term Care

Paris, France (July 31, 2025) – Wandercraft, the global leader in self-balancing robotic exoskeletons, today announced the release of a new case study on the use of the Atalante X exoskeleton in long-term care. Published in Kinésithérapie, la Revue, the study highlights the safety, feasibility, and transformative potential of robotic-assisted gait therapy for patients outside traditional hospital settings and was part of Wandercraft’s broader Walk as a Service (WaaS) initiative.

 

The case involves a 31-year-old woman with spastic tetraparesis caused by cerebral palsy who completed a year of weekly therapy sessions at Résidence Terro Flourido (APF France Handicap) in Avignon. Although she was initially deemed ineligible for exoskeleton use due to joint contractures, a customized treatment plan – including stretching, physiotherapy, and botulinum toxin injections – enabled her to begin walking with the Atalante X device.

 

Over 36 sessions, the patient achieved measurable improvements in mobility, independence, cognition, and quality of life while no adverse events were reported:

  • +58% increase in walking distance (TDM6) using a walker
  • +31.5% improvement in Timed Up and Go (TUG) test performance
  • Functional Independence Measure (FIM) score rose from 69 to 104
  • Goal Attainment Scale (GAS) score improved from -2 to +2
  • Psychological benefits, such as decreased anxiety and enhanced short-term memory
  • Weight loss of 7.8 kg, improved posture, and enabling the removal of trunk supports

 

The patient also participated in adapted physical activities and even performed a dance routine on stage using the exoskeleton – a powerful symbol of personal and clinical empowerment.

 

“After 6 to 9 months of use, we’ve seen patients benefiting from training on this device achieve significant global motor recovery. The progression in motor performance is truly exceptional, and I have never seen a rehabilitation tool as effective in my entire career,” said Dr. Éric Malardeau, PRM physician, FAM Terro Flourido. “Since we introduced patients to the exoskeleton, many have regained the ability to stand up, transfer, and improve their walking performance — with or without assistance. The teams themselves are more motivated and energized, thanks to the enthusiasm generated by these results.”

 

“Après 6 à 9 mois d'utilisation on peut s'apercevoir que les gens qui bénéficient d'un réentraînement sur cet appareil de rééducation, présentent une récupération motrice globale conséquente. La progression des performances motrices est assez exceptionnelle et je n'ai jamais vu de toute ma carrière, un matériel de rééducation aussi performant. Depuis la prise en charge de ces patients sur l'exosquelette, on peut s'apercevoir que de nombreux patients ont pu reprendre une autonomie à la verticalisation, une autonomie aux transferts et une amélioration des performances de marche avec ou sans aide technique ou tierce personne. Importante stimulation et encouragement des équipes de rééducation qui de ce fait s’implique avec beaucoup plus d'énergie et d'enthousiasme.”

 

Rehabilitation Beyond Hospital Walls

The Walk as a Service (WaaS) initiative was a 12-month pilot* launched in 2023 in partnership with Fondation Malakoff Humanis Handicap to bring exoskeleton therapy to long-term care and nursing home environments across France.  

 

Unlike most exoskeleton deployments, which are limited to hospital-based stroke or spinal cord injury patients, this program included individuals living in long-terme care facilities with progressive neurodegenerative conditions, cerebral palsy, and other acquired brain injuries – patients often excluded from high-tech rehabilitation solutions.

 

“This is more than a clinical achievement – it’s a proof of principle that mobility can be restored even in populations once thought unreachable,” said Sophie Pellas, Director of Business Development at Wandercraft. “Atalante is not a one-size-fits-all solution; it’s a tool that therapists and patients shape together. Each success story moves us closer to more equitable and inclusive care.”

 

Expanding the Standard of Care

This publication builds on Wandercraft’s expanding clinical evidence to demonstrate the safety and benefits of self-balancing exoskeletons. It also promotes public discussion on how robotic rehabilitation can be sustainably integrated into long-term care models through improved training, staffing, and reimbursement strategies.

 

Wandercraft’s Atalante X has already been adopted in 100 centers worldwide, and with the upcoming CE Mark expansion to broader patient groups – including tetraparesis and tetraplegia – the company is making progress toward universal access.

 

*Five centers participated in the pilot program:

  • FAM Terro Flourido (APF France Handicap)
  • FAM Maison Alexandrine (APF France Handicap)
  • Foyer de vie La Villa Auriol (APF France Handicap)
  • FAM Pierre Floucault (APF France Handicap)
  • MAS D’Ormesson (Groupe SOS Solidarités)

 

About Wandercraft  

Wandercraft is a global robotics company on a mission to restore mobility and expand what’s possible through self-balancing, AI-powered systems. Known for its groundbreaking Personal Exoskeleton, Eve, Wandercraft is developing the next generation of mobility solutions to restore walking ability both at home and in rehabilitation. Its flagship device, the Atalante X, is a groundbreaking self-balancing exoskeleton used at more than 100 inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation centers.    

 

In 2025, Wandercraft expanded into industrial robotics with the launch of Calvin-40, a strong, voice-controlled humanoid robot developed through a strategic partnership with Renault Group. Built on the same life-tested robotics platform as Wandercraft’s medical exoskeletons, Calvin is engineered to perform physically demanding or hazardous tasks in real-world environments, starting with automotive manufacturing. With more than 30 patents and a deeply human mission, Wandercraft believes that everyone should have the chance to move freely – and that robotics should connect with people where they are, with reliability, responsiveness, and purpose. Learn more at wandercraft.eu.  

   

Media Contact  

Lilly Kofler    

Global Head of Marketing & Communications    

lilly.kofler@wandercraft.health  

 

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