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Every child deserves the chance to walk, run, and explore freely, without physical limitations holding them back. Trexo Robotics is making this dream a reality, step by joyful step. Co-founded by visionary engineers Manmeet Maggu and Rahul Udasi, this groundbreaking company is revolutionizing the future for children with mobility challenges through their innovative exoskeletons.
Trexo Robotics’ journey began with a deeply personal mission. Manmeet Maggu’s nephew, Praneit, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a condition that severely restricted his ability to walk. Faced with the inadequacy of existing solutions, Manmeet and Rahul harnessed their robotics expertise to create something truly transformative. “We decided to use our robotics background to build something for Praneit,” Manmeet shared.
In 2016, they crafted their first exoskeleton prototype in their living room. Packed into a suitcase and flown to India, this rudimentary model enabled Praneit to take his first steps—a moment Manmeet still considers the proudest of his life. This breakthrough fueled their determination to refine their design, making it more advanced and user-friendly.
As interest from families, hospitals, and clinics grew, the duo realized their invention was not just for their family, but for families around the world. In 2017, Trexo Robotics was officially incorporated and Manmeet and Rahul then devoted themselves full-time to perfecting their exoskeleton.
Trexo Robotics’ mission is to make walking accessible to everyone who desires it. While their primary focus is on children due to the significant unmet need, their technology can also benefit adults in the future. They believe walking is a fundamental human right, and everyone should have the opportunity to experience it.
The benefits of walking extend beyond the physical. Children using the Trexo exoskeleton gain not just mobility, but independence, self-confidence and a sense of inclusion. Imagine the joy of playing in the park, joining a gym class, or simply strolling through a mall—experiences many take for granted but are life-changing for these children.
The exoskeletons are designed to be both comfortable and functional. A standout feature is the initiation engine, which detects how much a child is assisting or resisting movement. “While the child is walking unengaged, the initiation score will be close to 0. If they’re really pushing and trying to help the walking process, the number will be higher,” explained Manmeet. This real-time data allows caregivers to adjust support levels, tailoring the walking experience to the child’s capabilities and maximizing therapeutic benefits. Additionally, the device’s modular design allows for easy adjustments and repairs, ensuring long-term usability.
The true impact of Trexo Robotics is best captured through the stories of the children it has helped. For instance, a young girl confidently walking through a bustling mall with the aid of her Trexo device, experiencing independence and autonomy for the first time. Or a child, adorned in her exoskeleton, proudly walking down the aisle as a flower girl at a family wedding.
Then there’s Marc, an employee at Trexo, who purchased an exoskeleton for his son, who has a rare genetic condition. Since using the Trexo, his son has seen remarkable improvements in core strength, head control and even dietary intake, transitioning from a liquid diet to eating solid foods like steak. These experiences, once out of reach, are now possible, thanks to Trexo Robotics.
The journey has not been without its challenges. The COVID-19 pandemic compelled the company to rethink its deployment and training strategies. Initially, Trexo’s team would visit homes to set up the device and provide training. However, travel restrictions necessitated a shift to Zoom-based training. However, what initially seemed like a setback turned out to be a blessing in disguise, resulting in a more flexible and efficient training program.
In Canada, the exoskeleton is available at a cost of around $40,000, with leasing options and private insurance coverage in some cases. With a $500 deposit, one can reserve an exoskeleton, after which the assessment process begins. Within six weeks, measurements, doctor’s information and other details are gathered. The exoskeleton is then shipped to the user’s home, with setup assistance and training provided via Zoom. Follow-up check-ins are conducted regularly to ensure optimal use and support.
As Trexo Robotics advances, their vision becomes more profound: to transform mobility assistance and provide every child with the tools to walk and explore their world. Through relentless innovation and a commitment to improving lives, Trexo Robotics is expanding the limits of what is possible. They continue to roll out new features and updates to enhance functionality and user experience, with plans to expand into new markets, bringing their life-changing technology to children across the United States and Europe.
Trexo Robotics is empowering children with disabilities to walk, explore and live fuller lives, turning dreams of mobility into reality for children everywhere. Follow them on this incredible journey and witness the power of possibility, one step at a time.