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ABLE Human Motion

ABLE Human Motion

Next-Generation Exoskeletons

Andrew Kuzemczak
September 05, 2025

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Welcome to the 7 new subscribers who have joined Future Human since our last edition! Join 228 other leaders learning about the future of human health by subscribing here:

TL;DR

Born out of Spanish university research, ABLE Human Motion has transformed academic prototypes into one of the most practical, validated exoskeletons for spinal cord injury patients.
Lightweight, sensor-driven, and patient-centered, their device enables natural gait, boosts rehab outcomes, and reduces caregiver strain—proving itself in multiple European clinical trials.
By restoring mobility and independence, the exoskeleton not only improves quality of life but also alleviates the heavy economic and social costs of spinal cord injury worldwide.

Hi friend,

Welcome back to Future Human! Crazy we are already on newsletter #28. I know last week we teased some exciting upcoming announcements from our team. Those are unfortunately not ready to be released, but rest assured they are coming soon. That said, I figured I would provide some other updates on our end to keep you all in the loop.

First, Isabelle (who helps spearhead Future Human research while working insane hours as an oncology care advocate pushing payers to keep supporting critical patient therapies) has set up our next interview with an amazing physician-founder who built a team that developed the first and only FDA authorized diagnostic solution to diagnose or rule out autism in children. Newsletter #30 will be quite something!

Separately, I am excited to be joining Artis Ventures as a venture fellow starting in October. Artis, based in San Francisco, invests in early-stage healthtech, biotech, and life sciences companies. They have raised the first fund focused purely on data, software, AI, and deep learning across human health. I'll be working from New York (still in school, don’t worry mom) so wish me luck. As a fellow, I’ll help spearhead due diligence and market research for potential future investments across healthcare (very similar to what Future Human does weekly). Flying out to San Francisco in a couple weeks for orientation, and I could not be more excited. I’ll be interviewing some founders of their current investments, so look out for that.

Okay, let’s return to science and some insane hardware.

Imagine living in a world where millions of people lose mobility overnight from spinal cord injuries, forced to rely on wheelchairs and caregivers for even the most basic movements. For decades, progress in restoring independence has been slow, with treatments focused more on managing symptoms than changing lives. But a new wave of technology is beginning to challenge that reality—machines that don’t just support the body, but move with it, adapt to it, and help retrain it. At the frontier of this shift lies a breakthrough that could redefine what recovery, autonomy, and dignity mean for people once told they may never walk again.

So with that, let me ask you:

How could next-generation robotic exoskeletons change the way people with spinal cord injuries regain mobility and independence, while also reshaping rehabilitation practices and improving long-term health outcomes?

The Story

ABLE Human Motion was born from a shared vision: to create a world where everyone has the freedom to move independently, regardless of physical limitations. The roots of the company trace back to 2015, when Josep M. Font, a professor at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC), initiated a research project focused on developing low-cost powered orthoses. I always appreciate an origin story beginning in academic medicine. For this story, their collaboration with the Spanish universities of Coruña (UDC) and Extremadura (UEX) marked the first step in translating robotic exoskeleton technology from concept to practical application, initially tested with a single individual with a spinal cord injury.

Three years later, in 2018, ABLE Human Motion was formally founded by Alfons Carnicero and Alex Garcia—two engineering classmates—together with Professor Font. Alfons brought a deep understanding of biomedical engineering and healthcare entrepreneurship, while Alex contributed extensive expertise in robotics, motion control, and systems integration. Their combined vision was clear: design and deliver the world’s most usable and accessible robotic exoskeletons, transforming rehabilitation, mobility, and quality of life for people with disabilities.

Early momentum came quickly. In 2019, the team presented their project publicly and closed a pre-seed investment round of $825,000, secured from business angels, early-stage funds, and supportive family and friends. By 2020, the company had produced its first functional prototype: a knee-powered exoskeleton with passive hips, ready for use in clinical testing. ABLE moved into successive clinical trials at Institut Guttmann and Heidelberg University Hospital in 2021, followed by Asepeyo Hospital in 2022 (some of our audience is surely heading to Google to find out where these are).¹

These milestones validated ABLE’s mission to make advanced mobility technology safe, effective, and accessible. By 2023, over 200 individuals with spinal cord injuries had tested the ABLE Exoskeleton, collectively walking more than 400,000 steps. This journey culminated in 2024 with CE Marking of the ABLE Exoskeleton, officially clearing the device for commercial use across the European Union.

Central to this progress is ABLE’s leadership. Alfons Carnicero, CEO and co-founder, should be the engineer-founder standard, earning recognition even from MIT’s Technology Review. Alex Garcia, CTO and co-founder, is the robotics authority, holding multiple patents across electronics and medical devices.

Beyond product development, ABLE Human Motion actively participates in shaping the global rehabilitation landscape. The company is a member of the International Industry Society for Advanced Rehabilitation Technology (IISART) and the Spanish Federation of Healthcare Technology Companies, ensuring that its work aligns with the broader mission of advancing healthcare technology. From its research origins to its current position at the forefront of exoskeleton innovation, ABLE’s story is one that defends a few core theses I have held since launching Future Human.

Academic collaboration must be protected for the future of entrepreneurship
Europe is a more promising innovation hub than we give it credit for

The Tech

At the heart of ABLE Human Motion’s innovation is the ABLE Exoskeleton, a robotic device designed to restore mobility and improve rehabilitation outcomes for patients with spinal cord injuries. The exoskeleton is the product of years of iterative design, clinical testing, and co-creation with clinicians and patients. From the outset, ABLE ensured the device could be integrated safely and efficiently into both rehabilitation and personal-use settings.¹^,²^,³

Clinical trials across leading European rehabilitation centers have consistently demonstrated the safety and performance of the ABLE Exoskeleton. These trials measured a wide range of outcomes, including dosage and tolerance for gait training, patient mobility independence, body motor function in incomplete spinal cord injury, walk time, number of steps, and therapist efficiency. Importantly, participants reported improvements in quality of life, therapy satisfaction, and perceived well-being, suggesting the device’s benefits extend beyond physical mobility to psychosocial impact.¹^,³^,⁴

ABLE’s iterations are fantastic to track across the years. The evolution from the ABLEknee to the ABLEhipknee version is a great example. Comparative studies have shown that participants using the hip-knee powered model achieved at least three times more steps and covered seven times more distance than with the knee-only device. The hip-knee version also scored higher in categories such as safety, comfort, and effectiveness, particularly in populations with high thoracic, motor-complete injuries. This advancement reflects a deliberate co-creation methodology, where feedback from patients and clinicians directly informed hardware and software enhancements.²

The current exoskeleton uses embedded sensors to continuously track movement, weight distribution, and joint angles, allowing the system to adapt in real time. A lightweight frame minimizes fatigue, while adjustable components ensure proper fit across different body types. The device is controlled through an intuitive interface that can trigger automatic step initiation, freeing the user from constant manual input and reducing therapist workload. Safety features—such as stability algorithms and controlled torque outputs—are built directly into the hardware, ensuring reliable support during standing, walking, and transitions.

User experience and practicality appear central to ABLE’s design philosophy. Donning and doffing the device takes just over ten minutes on average, with most users requiring minimal assistance. Participants were able to complete essential home and community mobility tasks with minimal supervision (indicating device’s usability outside clinical settings).³^,⁴

Finally, the ABLE Exoskeleton supports safe, effective, and natural walking patterns compared to traditional orthotic devices. Participants exhibited better weight shifting, longer step lengths, and fewer compensatory movements. The automatic step initiation and intuitive remote control for state transitions further reduce user effort, while the device meets recommended exercise intensity levels for individuals with spinal cord injury. Collectively, these features demonstrate that ABLE is not only a rehabilitation tool but also a step toward improved quality of life for patients.

The Market

ABLE Human Motion operates at the intersection of the spinal cord injury treatment market and the broader mobility devices sector, both of which are experiencing rapid growth. The spinal cord injury treatment market is projected to expand from $7.5 billion in 2024 to $11.9 billion by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.8%. Complete spinal cord injuries currently represent the largest segment of the market, accounting for 60% of cases, while hospitals lead as the primary providers, also with a 60% market share. Major players include pharmaceutical and biotech companies such as Acorda Therapeutics, Novartis, Pfizer, InVivo Therapeutics, and BioArctic AB, which primarily focus on drugs, neuroprotection, and inflammation management.

Beyond pharmaceuticals, the market for rehabilitation devices, robotics, and assistive technologies is expanding as well. Companies in this space develop exoskeletons, spinal cord stimulators, imaging systems, and other devices designed to improve mobility, function, and patient independence after spinal cord injury. These innovations aim not only to restore motor function but also to enhance therapy efficiency, patient safety, and quality of life.⁶

The global mobility devices market is another major area of opportunity, with a valuation of $8.8 billion in 2018 and projections to reach USD 22.7 billion by 2032. Regional dynamics shape adoption: North America leads with a 40% market share, driven by high prevalence of mobility impairment and advances in powered mobility devices; Japan sees strong demand from an aging population and rising falls among elderly individuals; China’s large elderly population and healthcare investments are fueling adoption; and Europe, particularly Germany, the UK, and France, benefits from well-established healthcare systems and a significant geriatric population.⁷

Within this competitive ecosystem, several specialized companies are innovating. Re4Life Healthcare focuses on autonomous medical exoskeletons for upper extremity rehabilitation, combining sensors and software to deliver passive, assisted, and resistive exercises while providing real-time feedback to clinicians. Atom Limbs develops robotic prosthetic limbs with advanced joint control and touch feedback, enabling precise finger manipulation and natural arm movements, emphasizing comfort and usability. Corbell Robotics offers Armolex, a rehabilitation robot for the upper limb that delivers personalized therapy with adaptive modes, resistive and passive exercises, and hand-training modules. Additionally, companies are exploring exoskeletons that integrate AI for environmental interaction and autonomous task execution, enhancing independence for users.⁸^,⁹

In this context, ABLE Human Motion positions itself as a leader in lower-limb exoskeletons for spinal cord injury, combining clinical validation, user-centered design, and a scalable commercial product. The company benefits from a growing market, expanding global demand for mobility solutions, and a competitive landscape where technological innovation increasingly drives patient outcomes.

The Sick

Spinal cord injury (SCI) affects over 15 million people worldwide, stemming primarily from trauma such as falls, road traffic accidents, or violence, though non-traumatic causes like tumors, infections, or degenerative conditions also contribute. SCI can result in complete or incomplete loss of movement and sensation, significantly affecting daily functioning and independence. Patients face an increased risk of secondary health complications, reduced school and work participation, and a substantially higher burden on both individual and societal levels.¹⁰^,¹¹

For individuals living with SCI, regaining mobility is a critical component of recovery. Traditional treatment pathways include acute care, surgical intervention, and access to multidisciplinary rehabilitation that addresses physical, mental, and social needs. Assistive devices, such as robotic exoskeletons, are vital tools that enable patients to perform tasks that would otherwise be impossible, supporting independence. ABLE Human Motion’s exoskeleton is specifically designed to meet these needs, offering safe and effective gait training for both complete and incomplete injuries while improving functional mobility and reducing reliance on caregivers.

SCI manifests in a range of symptoms, including loss of movement, impaired sensation, bowel and bladder dysfunction, exaggerated reflexes or spasms, pain, and respiratory difficulties. Depending on the level and completeness of the injury, patients may experience paraplegia, affecting the trunk, legs, and pelvic organs, or tetraplegia, which impacts all limbs and additional body systems. These limitations can make everyday tasks—from walking to standing, transferring, or navigating the home environment—challenging or impossible. The ABLE Exoskeleton addresses these challenges directly, enabling users to stand, walk, and practice natural gait patterns in a controlled and safe environment.¹¹

Beyond physical benefits, exoskeleton use also supports psychological and social well-being, something we are actively studying at the moment in our Brain & Behavior unit. Regaining upright mobility can improve self-esteem, confidence, and social participation, mitigating some of the isolation and mental health challenges that frequently accompany SCI. By promoting greater autonomy in daily activities, ABLE’s technology helps patients reclaim a sense of normalcy and independence, directly contributing to improved overall quality of life.

The broader implications of access to technologies like the ABLE Exoskeleton are profound. With early intervention, ongoing rehabilitation, and assistive device support, patients can reduce the risk of secondary complications, maintain functional capacity, and enhance long-term health outcomes. In a landscape where survival and quality of life for people with SCI are heavily influenced by healthcare access and specialized rehabilitation, ABLE Human Motion’s exoskeleton represents a transformative tool that empowers patients and their caregivers alike.¹⁰

The Economy

Spinal cord injury (SCI) imposes a profound financial burden on patients, families, and society. Individuals with more severe injuries often require long-term care, much of which is provided by informal caregivers such as family members. These caregivers frequently face stress, role strain, social isolation, and financial pressures, and caring for a person with SCI can adversely affect their own health, well-being, and social relationships.

The lifetime costs associated with SCI are substantial. Estimates suggest that an individual with SCI may incur between $700,000 and $2.5 million over their lifetime, with higher expenses linked to earlier age at injury, higher neurological severity, and healthcare settings such as the United States. Costs include not only direct medical expenses but also non-healthcare-related expenditures, pointing to the multifaceted economic impact.¹²^,¹³

Indirect costs further compound the economic burden. People with SCI often face barriers to full societal participation due to mobility limitations, negative attitudes, and accessibility challenges. Children with SCI are less likely to begin or advance in school, while adults experience high unemployment rates, often exceeding 60%. Lost earnings, reduced productivity, and limited career opportunities contribute to economic losses that frequently surpass the direct costs of care.

Secondary complications associated with SCI—including neurogenic bladder, bowel dysfunction, urinary tract infections, pressure injuries, venous thromboembolism, autonomic dysreflexia, spasticity, chronic pain, impaired thermoregulation, and psychological distress—further drive healthcare utilization and cost. It is far from a one dimensional condition. Managing these complications requires ongoing medical attention, rehabilitation, and adaptive devices, creating a cycle of sustained expense for patients and healthcare systems.¹⁰^,¹⁴

Technologies like the ABLE Exoskeleton have the potential to reduce these economic burdens by enhancing patient independence and functional mobility. By supporting rehabilitation, promoting gait training, and enabling patients to perform daily activities with less reliance on caregivers, exoskeletons can decrease caregiver strain and potentially reduce long-term healthcare costs. Improved mobility may also facilitate reintegration into work, school, and social environments, mitigating some of the indirect costs associated with unemployment and lost productivity.

Ultimately, ABLE Human Motion’s products represent not only a clinical innovation but also a significant economic intervention. By improving quality of life, reducing secondary complications, and increasing patient autonomy, the exoskeleton can alleviate both the direct and indirect financial burdens of SCI on individuals, families, and society at large.¹²

My Thoughts

If there’s one thing this story makes clear, it’s that the future of mobility won’t be written only in pharmaceuticals or policy—it’ll be strapped on, powered up, and walked into existence. What began as a university project tinkering with powered orthoses has become a European-born challenger with global ambition, bringing spinal cord injury patients not just steps, but a chance at dignity, autonomy, and a lighter burden for their families. I’ll admit, I love a scrappy academic origin story, but what’s more striking here is how this team has turned co-creation with patients into a design principle, and clinical validation into a calling card. The exoskeleton market is crowded with lofty promises, but few companies actually deliver hardware that is safe, scalable, and usable outside a lab. Watching ABLE’s rise, I can’t help but wonder: maybe the real revolution in health tech isn’t flashy AI or miracle drugs, but simply giving millions of people their legs back—and doing it with European engineering swagger.

To more lives saved,

Andrew

I always appreciate feedback, questions, and conversation. Feel free to reach out on LinkedIn @andrewkuzemczak.