A Human in Motion Robotics Case Study
HMR has developed the next generation wearable robotic exoskeleton, allowing wheelchair-constrained individuals to regain their mobility and independence.
Background Information
- HMR and Circle Innovation established a close partnership during their first collaboration during the Innovation Sandbox Program (2019-2022).
- That project delivered pre-production XoMotion-R ‘manufacturable’ and ‘testing-ready’ to meet the regulatory requirements.
- Regulatory requirements mandate medical device start-ups, such as Human in Motion Robotics (HMR), to build and implement the necessary quality systems prior to market access.
- For the project, HMR hired a manufacturing project manager to develop a strategy to lower the manufacturing cost of HMR’s pre-production XoMotion-R units.
- According to the 2022 Canadian Survey on Disability, 10.6% of Canadians aged 15 years and older have a mobility disability, translating to nearly 3.8 million people.
- Limited range of motion (ROM) can hinder basic activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, and eating. This can lead to a decreased quality of life and increased dependence on others. Reduced mobility can lead to secondary health issues such as obesity, cardiovascular problems, and mental health challenges due to decreased physical activity and social isolation.
- Developing advanced robotic devices requires significant upfront investment in research and development (R&D), materials, and technology. This can be a barrier for many companies, especially smaller ones.
The Solution
XoMotion
A lower-limb exoskeleton which can be used daily and offers a full range of motion, arms-free, and without having an attendant.
This dramatic advancement is made possible by the patented novel parallel robotic mechanism and motion transfer technology developed by HMR, as well as the intelligent algorithms integrated to take advantage of the innovative mechanism.
Our Partnership
HMR and Circle worked closely together to empower patients and clinicians with impactful tools and applications, navigating regulatory and manufacturing challenges to deliver the XoMotion to market.
As part of the completed Healthtech SME Program, HMR combined its expertise in exoskeleton technology development with Circle Innovations’ project management expertise and network of funding and academic partnerships.
An SFU success story, HMR has secured multiple streams of investment, including an $8 million investment and strategic partnership from Beno TNR, a prominent Korean technology investment firm, but also a contract with Innovative Solutions Canada, and most recently $10 million in funding during their Series A round in May 2023.
In September 2024, HMR received approval from Health Canada to market and sell XoMotion in Canada – a major step forward on its path to regulatory readiness globally.
Media Gallery
Human in Motion Robotics team with Minister Sajjan
Partnership Outcomes
Circle Innovation brought key subject matter experts to HMR with key resources and information to guide future product and service design. This includes educational resources for both patients and healthcare providers, as well as insights into current research related to treatment options and patient-involved decision making.
As HMR moved into the regulated medical devices space, they needed Quality Systems knowledge framed in the context of robotics engineering. Circle worked with HMR to identify critical hiring opportunities and ensure they had the skills on their team for the next chapter of their development.
Through advocacy, Circle Innovation works to raise awareness around HMR’s core technology. XoMotion allows individuals with mobility challenges to stand up and walk on their own, without additional support.
When in use, XoMotion maintains its stability and simultaneously encompasses all the ranges of motion and degrees of freedom needed for users to self-balance, walk, sidestep, climb stairs, crouch, and more.
Project Impacts
Multiple phases of development with HMR have brought major impact.
3
HQP jobs created
$10M
USD of Series A from foreign investors
1
XoMotion-I product brought to market
3
Units provided to clinical trials
About Partner
Human in Motion Robotics Inc. (HMR) is a cutting-edge company based in Canada, focused on developing advanced exoskeleton systems to improve the lives of individuals with severe mobility impairments. Their innovative exoskeleton, XoMotion, is designed to enable completely paralyzed individuals to walk freely and independently, addressing the limitations of existing exoskeletons that require arm crutches and human assistance. HMR’s technology allows for complex maneuvers, such as forward, backward, and sideways walking, without the need for external support. The company has recently completed and sold its XoMotion-I units to the Canadian government for pilot clinical testing, with plans to further develop and refine their rehabilitation product, XoMotion-R.
