Thomas Unise
Wandercraft’s self-balancing robotic exoskeleton, Atalante X, has begun clinical trials at Brigham and Women’s Hospital to assess its effectiveness in helping thoracic surgery patients with early mobilization in intensive care settings.
Pioneering Exoskeleton Technology in Critical Care
The first patient has enrolled in a groundbreaking clinical trial evaluating Wandercraft’s Atalante X, an FDA-cleared and CE-marked robotic exoskeleton. This interventional pilot study aims to determine whether this self-balancing exoskeleton can be safely and effectively implemented in a thoracic surgical ICU environment.
According to Matthieu Masselin, co-founder and CEO of Wandercraft, the trial addresses a significant clinical challenge: thoracic surgery patients often struggle to stand for even brief periods without substantial assistance from healthcare providers. Early mobilization after surgery can significantly improve cardiorespiratory function, vital sign stability, muscle preservation, and psychological well-being.
Key Features of Atalante X
What distinguishes Atalante X from other rehabilitation exoskeletons is its hands-free operation. Unlike conventional devices, it doesn’t require patients to use walkers or crutches for support. The exoskeleton features 12 powered joints at the hips, knees, and ankles, enabling clinicians to deliver personalized gait therapy for various neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
Currently, Atalante X is approved for use by individuals with spinal cord injuries (levels C4 to L5), hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular accidents, and multiple sclerosis. Wandercraft reports that the device is already in use at over 100 research and rehabilitation facilities worldwide, including prominent institutions like Good Shepherd Rehabilitation and Georgia Tech.
Clinical Trial Design and Objectives
The interventional pilot at Brigham and Women’s Hospital will evaluate the exoskeleton across four domains:
- Safety: Monitoring adverse events and their severity
- Feasibility: Assessing completion of scheduled sessions, duration, steps taken, and assistance level
- Usability: Measuring donning/doffing time, personnel requirements, and satisfaction
- Effectiveness: Evaluating functional mobility using the Johns Hopkins Hospital Mobility Scale
At least five adult patients in the Thoracic Surgical Intensive Care Unit will participate in two exoskeleton sessions weekly until discharge. The study will remain open for approximately six months, providing valuable insights into real-world clinical applications.
Future Developments
Beyond the clinical setting, Wandercraft is developing Eve, a personal exoskeleton designed for home use. Clinical trials for Eve began in 2025, with commercial availability expected later that year. The company describes it as “the world’s first self-balancing exoskeleton for personal use,” enabling users to walk hands-free both at home and outdoors.
In a notable diversification, Wandercraft has also expanded into industrial robotics with Calvin-40, a humanoid robot developed in partnership with Renault Group. This robot leverages the same technological platform as the company’s medical exoskeletons to perform physically demanding or hazardous tasks in manufacturing environments.
Implications for Patient Care
Dr. Raphael Bueno, Chief of Thoracic Surgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, emphasized that “early mobilization is one of the most effective and underused tools we have to improve outcomes after thoracic surgery.” The trial explores whether exoskeleton technology can enable earlier, safer, and more consistent mobilization than current practices allow.
As robotic and wearable technologies continue to advance, the Atalante X trial represents a significant step toward integrating these innovations into standard clinical care, potentially transforming rehabilitation approaches for critically ill patients.
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