Exoskeleton and prosthesis emulators with ‘sizeable’ benefits: more foot sizes, more options, better outcomes.
We’re excited to now offer two new wearable devices in Humotech’s suite of Caplex™ products: the PRO-002, our first modular ankle-foot prosthesis derived from PRO-001, and an enhanced EXO-001 ankle exoskeleton, now with an expanded size range and other refinements.
Both products are designed to fit a broader range of users, enabling more inclusive experimentation. Read on to learn more about what each of these products brings to the table and why we think they’re game-changers for wearable device research, design, and emulation.
PRO-002 Prosthetic Foot
The Caplex PRO-002 is a lightweight (<1kg) tethered prosthetic foot with several advantages to users and experimenters, including the ability to accommodate a wider range of user foot sizes (approximately shoe sizes 26cm to 29cm) and optimize/better emulate device mass and heel stiffness. Foot length is adjustable with swappable forefoot components, device mass with swappable weights, and heel stiffness with swappable heel springs. With the adjustability of these physical features, PRO-002 is able to optimize and emulate prosthetic foot characteristics of even greater variety than the already infinitely variable PRO-001 design.
PRO-002 Key Features:
- Lightweight
- Adjustable foot size
- Adjustable heel spring stiffness
- Adjustable device weight
- Can be used with non-amputees using the simulator boot
EXO-001 Ankle Exoskeleton
The Caplex EXO-001 is our original high torque tethered ankle exoskeleton, with a few key upgrades. It now comes in a wider range of sizes (US Men’s 4 to US Men’s 12) by way of swappable shoes and forefoot struts. These modular components give EXO-001 the capability to fit the majority of users’ foot and calf sizes. Each shoe size is matched to a recommended forefoot strut size, however the experimenter can select whichever strut size that best aligns the exoskeleton with the user’s ankle joint.
The EXO-001 is suitable for a range of walking and running speeds depending on the capabilities and experience of the user. And, coming soon, we are developing a new narrower variation with various features that improve the usability of the device in dynamic use cases such as fast-paced walking and running.
EXO-001 Key Features:
- High torque (180Nm)
- Adjustable sizing with swappable shoes (US Men’s 4-12; Women’s 5.5-13.5) and struts (2.5-14M; 4-15.5W)
- Enhanced running capability
Expanding Our Reach
Both the EXO-001 and PRO-002 respond to a growing need to make exoskeleton and prosthetic technology more accessible and more inclusive of varying body types, weights, sizes, genders, and health conditions. Right now, an estimated 35% of patients with limb loss in the U.S. are women. Women make up 10% of the military veteran population and are moving increasingly into military combat positions where they are at greater risk for limb amputation. Yet studies find that women are faced with gender-specific challenges when it comes to limb prosthesis. They are more likely to be dissatisfied with prosthetic fit, as well as report greater levels of pain. This is where an emulator such as the PRO-002 can help, opening up greater possibilities to enable the design and prescription of prosthetic components that are better suited for women’s physiology.
There is also a need to involve more women in the design of exoskeletons, especially in workforce safety and injury prevention. The EXO-001 new adjustability features offer more opportunities to bridge that divide.
The advantage of the Caplex system is that it’s designed to be an adaptable, modular platform, where we can work hands-on with customers in order to find solutions. In fact, our smaller sizing options for the EX0-001 were originally built for our customers at the Queen’s University Neuromechanics Lab. The PRO-002 is also currently being used in ongoing research, led by the VA Puget Sound Health Care System, the University of Washington, and the Seattle Institute for Biomedical and Clinical Research, and funded by the DoD Orthotics and Prosthetics Outcomes Research Program (OPORP). The study is investigating test-driving with the PRO-002 to improve the prosthetic foot prescription process (read more about the research).
We’re excited to now be able to expand our product selection towards the goal of reaching as many end users as possible and facilitating new opportunities for research and development.
Interested in Learning More or Upgrading?
If you have one of our devices, but want to accommodate a wider range of sizes, please contact us! If you’re interested in learning more about our inclusive devices and Caplex system, we’d love to talk with you.
Contact Gabriel at [email protected] or call (412) 301-5083.