Chennai-based start-up Cybernoid Healthcare Private Limited, with assistance from the technology business incubator (TBI) of Madras University, has designed Cybolimb, a robotic support system that will help people who have neuro muscular disorders and spinal cord issues.
Throwing light on Cybolimb, S.T.M.Veerabahu, managing director of Cybernoid Healthcare Private Limited, said, “This is a wearable support system which can power the legs of the individual to perform routine tasks such as sitting, walking and getting up from a chair.” He claimed: “It can transform the lives of individuals with neuro muscular disorders, allowing them to move from their wheelchairs to a more normal upright standing posture making them mobile and independent.”
Cybolimb has straps which will help the user wear the device themselves without help from anyone. The device can be detached and transported. “Cybolimb is powered by a rechargeable battery and has an algorithm to make a person walk. The walking speed is one step per second. The device is lightweight and can be customised according to one’s requirement,” said Mr. Veerabahu, while giving a product demo on Saturday.
The research and development for this wearable robotic device started in 2010 and the final product was introduced to the market by a team of ten people. This venture was supported with a seed funding of ₹5.5 lakh from Tepp Programme through Madras University’s TBI. “The clinical trail for Cybolimb was conducted with prescribed protocols. Similar products are priced between ₹72 lakh to ₹1 crore in the international market. We want to price this at one-seventh of the international price,” Mr. Veerabahu said.
The start-up has set a target of six units for production this year. According to Mr. Veerabahu, it takes 30 days for making one unit. Going forward, the firm also intends to make products for the knee and for people without hands, which are lightweight and user-friendly. Mr. Veerabahu said he had raised ₹1.5 crore from four people and may go for another round of funding.
