RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Self-balancing Personal Exoskeleton for SCI (WIP)

This study is looking at a new type of robotic suit, called an exoskeleton, for people who have had a spinal cord injury. This special suit is designed to be self-balancing and doesn't require users to use their hands, which could make it easier to get around. The main goal is to find out if this exoskeleton is safe to use and if it effectively helps people with conditions like paraplegia or tetraplegia to move and walk better in their daily lives. Researchers hope it will offer a new way to improve independence and mobility for people living with these challenges.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Wandercraft

Enrolment target

Start

10 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

30 Apr 2026

Spinal Cord Injuries Paraplegia and Tetraplegia

What is this study about?

This research is looking at a new device called an exoskeleton, which is like a robotic suit that helps people to walk. This particular exoskeleton is very clever because it's designed to be self-balancing and doesn't need the user to use their hands to control it, which could be a big step forward. It's built by a company called Wandercraft and is an updated version of their existing device.

The main aim of this study is to check if this new hands-free exoskeleton is safe for people with spinal cord injuries to use. Researchers also want to see how well it helps them with moving around in their everyday lives, such as walking. This study is important because it could lead to better tools for people living with spinal cord injuries, potentially offering more independence and making daily tasks easier.

This is a small study taking place at one research centre. Researchers will carefully watch how participants use the device and gather information about how it works for them. The insights gained could pave the way for this technology to help more people in the future.

Key takeaways

New self-balancing exoskeleton for spinal cord injury patients.
Aims to improve hands-free walking and daily mobility.
Study will assess safety and how well it helps users.
Involves regular visits to a research centre over two months.
Participation requires being 18+ with a spinal cord injury for at least six months.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have had a spinal cord injury for at least six months. You should also be able to understand the study information and agree to take part.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have other serious health problems, certain bone conditions like osteoporosis, very stiff muscles that can't be treated, or uncontrolled high blood pressure. You also can't take part if you have unhealed skin sores where the suit would touch, or if the suit doesn't fit you properly. If you are pregnant or planning to be, you also wouldn't be able to join this study.

The doctors running the study will carefully check all these points to make sure it's safe for you to participate and that the study is right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you had a spinal cord injury for at least 6 months?
Can you attend 9-10 visits to the study centre over two months?
Are you able to understand study information and give your consent?
Do you have any severe medical conditions or bone problems that might exclude you?
Are you currently pregnant or planning to be?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join this study, you'll need to visit the research centre nine or ten times over about two months. Each visit will typically last around an hour and a half. Your first visit will involve screening to make sure the study is right for you, and then you'll be fitted with the exoskeleton. You'll then have five training sessions to help you learn how to use the device safely and effectively. At the end of the training, you'll have an evaluation to confirm you can use all the basic features of the device.

After your training, there will be two more sessions to see how well the exoskeleton helps you move, with an extra practice session alongside these. Throughout the study, you'll be attending with a companion, who will also be part of the process. There are no specific medications involved in this study, as it focuses on the device itself.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer you the potential benefit of trying a new device that might improve your ability to move and walk. However, as with any new device, there might be some risks, such as discomfort from wearing the exoskeleton, skin rubbing, or even falls, although the device is designed to be self-balancing. The research team will continually monitor your safety. Remember, participation is completely voluntary, and you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Wandercraft
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is an exoskeleton?

It's like a robotic suit that you wear, designed to help people with disabilities, such as spinal cord injuries, to stand and walk.

Is this exoskeleton different from others?

Yes, this new version is designed to be self-balancing and allows you to use it without needing your hands for control, which is quite innovative.

How long will the study last for each person?

If you take part, you'll be involved for about two months, with around nine to ten visits to the research centre.

Will I get paid to join the study?

The information provided doesn't specify if participants will be paid, so it's a good question to ask the research team.

What happens if I decide to stop participating?

You are free to leave the study at any point, and it won't affect your current or future medical treatment.

How to find out more

Jeanne Vanmairis

walkinparis@wandercraft.health +33 (0)1 79 35 31 09 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.