Houston Daily

On April 29, 2025, a groundbreaking development was announced with the introduction of a lightweight, soft exoskeleton for children with cerebral palsy. Named MyoStep, this innovation aims to address motor impairments in children, facilitating their participation in physical activities, self-care, and academic pursuits.

The MyoStep is designed by the NSF UH Building Reliable Advances and Innovation in Neurotechnology (BRAIN) Center in collaboration with TIRR Memorial Hermann. Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, the director of the NSF BRAIN Center, highlights the project as a significant advancement for pediatric mobility aids. “By integrating cutting edge technologies such as artificial muscles, smart fabrics, and a comprehensive sensor network, MyoStep offers a promising solution to the challenges faced by existing exoskeletons,” he stated.

Gerard Francisco, M.D., from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston and TIRR Memorial Hermann, plays a key role in the project as a clinical partner. Dr. Francisco emphasizes the novel approach in enhancing mobility for children with cerebral palsy, describing the research as a groundbreaking step forward.

The exoskeleton uses a wireless sensor network embedded inside its flexible fabrics, collecting real-time data about movements. It is designed to be safe, including features like temperature monitoring and emergency shut-off mechanisms. According to Contreras-Vidal, the team is focused on refining the ankle movement with artificial muscles made from advanced smart materials.

Furthermore, the safety and comfort of the user are prioritized through isolated electronics to prevent direct skin contact, reducing the risk of irritation or discomfort. Bluetooth technology enables communication between various sensors within the device.

“This research represents a groundbreaking step forward in how we think about mobility and independence for children with cerebral palsy,” stated Francisco. He stressed the potential of such innovations to improve quality of life, helping children achieve greater ease and dignity in their movements.

The work on MyoStep is partially supported by the IEEE Electron Device Society’s Humanitarian Fund.

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