This mobility assistance device “energizes” knee braces to help with walking, standing

Reev is developing a lightweight, discreet, intelligent mobility assistance device that could help patients walk and stand more normally.

The Dreeven device is designed to “energize” knee braces, making them more helpful for the user. This offers greater benefits in standing and walking, reducing the stresses put on the body through the use of other devices. Reev aims to customize each device for the particular patient. Additionally, using AI, they hope to monitor and collect mobility information every day to monitor progress and adjust the device to help speed rehabilitation.

Reev Sense, a motion sensor that can be mounted to a patient’s leg or shoe, was designed to monitor and record gait disorders. It sends personalized data to the company’s smart robotic assistance system, Dreeven, customizing motor control and delivering the exact assistance needed from the patient. The system’s smart knee apparatus allows it to motorize passive knee-ankle-foot orthoses (KAFO).

For the comfort of the user, Dreeven delivers a lightweight, intelligent motorization for knee assistance. This freedom helps users build confidence during rehabilitation and beyond. Dreeven’s gait assistance system uses biomarkers such as spatio-temporal analysis and correction for speed and cadence, stride length, swing and stance time, and stance symmetry. Kinematic analysis includes knee flexion angle and ankle flexion ankle.

Dreeven incorporates electro-hydraulic technology originating from the automotive industry and adapted for knee braces and medical care. It features three distinct operations: power generation via the motor, power transmission through the hydraulic actuator apparatus and power transfer to the knee through a sprocket cable link attached to the KAFO.

The knee joint power generation subsystem incorporates a Maxon EC-i motor with an ENX 16 easy encoder. This motor incorporates an optimized magnetic circuit with iron core windings for high torque density and low cogging torque. The brushless DC motor provides longer service life with lower energy consumption. Brushless DC motors are also maintenance-free devices.

According to Maxon and Reev, the entire system delivers a highly efficient, battery-operated mobility assisted device that can last about five hours without needing to be charged.

“Through the use of high-end components and expert in-house designs, Reev’s goal is to overcome the present limitations for current exoskeletons, including the weight of the system as well as the high purchase costs,” Maxon says. “And they are well on their way with the Dreeven mobility assistance device. As the company continues to perform more clinical studies, they continually improve on the device, and are confident in how well the system functions.”

The first Dreeven systems are expected to launch in 2026.