World's First Trial Of Robotic Exoskeleton For People With MND

Researchers at The University of Queensland (UQ) have developed a wearable robotic exoskeleton designed to help people living with motor neuron disease (MND) walk for longer while reducing fatigue, with the next generation set to incorporate AI that personalizes assistance in real time. The device is being trialed under the iMOVE-MND project, funded by the ALS Association, making it the world’s first exoskeleton trialed specifically in people with MND—a group of neurodegenerative disorders that progressively impair voluntary muscle control.

The lightweight, untethered device includes a waist-worn unit housing control electronics, small motors, and batteries. These components connect to the ankles through cables that deliver mechanical assistance during walking, adjusting plantarflexion and dorsiflexion based on sensor-detected forces through the feet. A companion mobile app supports operation and setup. UQ’s Dr. James Williamson explained that the goal is to help users take more steps daily with less fatigue, supporting mobility as the disease progresses.

A second-generation prototype is now being tested, featuring upgraded sensors, improved ergonomics, and machine learning algorithms that tailor assistance to each user’s gait and environmental conditions. Early participant feedback has been “extremely encouraging,” with ongoing development aimed at enabling features such as voice command control for those who may struggle with smartphone manipulation. Researchers will also evaluate long-term use through extensive 3D gait analysis, including motion capture, force plates, and electromyography, to understand device performance as symptoms evolve.

Robotic exoskeletons are widely used in rehabilitation, particularly for stroke survivors and individuals with lower-limb injuries, with recent innovations emerging from Hong Kong, South Korea, and China. However, UQ’s team notes that applying exoskeletal support to maintain mobility in MND, rather than restore it after injury, represents a novel approach. The team plans ongoing collaboration with the MND community to improve accessibility and refine the technology further.

The iMOVE-MND project coincides with UQ’s launch of Australia’s first Centre for Motor Neurone Disease Research, integrating discovery science, clinical care, translational research, and trials under one institution.