AiDong Frame-Mounted Exoskeleton Robot

AiDong (also known as Aiwalker in international contexts) is Ai-Robotics’ frame-mounted lower-limb exoskeleton system designed specifically for early-stage rehabilitation patients. Weighing approximately 80kg with integrated support structure, AiDong enables patients who cannot bear their own weight to perform walking exercises in both suspended and real ground settings, addressing high muscle tone and contracture issues common in prolonged bed-bound patients.

Product Overview

Designated internally as the “Treatment King,” AiDong addresses critical challenges in early-stage rehabilitation for patients with severe lower limb dysfunction. The frame-mounted design provides full body weight support, enabling patients who have been bedridden for extended periods to begin walking rehabilitation without requiring independent balance or weight-bearing capability.

AiDong received NMPA Class II medical device registration in June 2018 alongside the AiKang product. The approval marked a milestone as China’s first domestically developed lower-limb exoskeleton robots to receive regulatory clearance. The product was also designated as Beijing’s first Class II innovative medical device and the first product nationally to receive approval under the expedited “green channel” review policy.

Key Features

For early-stage paraplegia and high muscle tone patients who cannot bear their own weight, Ai-Robotics’ AiDong provides a frame-mounted exoskeleton with suspended and real ground walking modes.

• Frame-mounted support structure: Integrated frame weighing approximately 80kg provides full body weight support
• Suspended walking mode: Patients can practice walking with partial or full weight relief
• Real ground training: Enables gradual transition to actual floor surface walking
• Passive walker function: Patients in early recovery stages can undergo passive walking without active exertion
• Muscle tone management: Specifically designed to address high muscle tone (up to Grade 4) and muscle contracture
• Neural function rebuilding: Repetitive walking patterns stimulate neuroplasticity and motor relearning

Technical Specifications

For early-stage rehabilitation patients in Chinese hospitals, AiDong’s approximately 80 kg frame supports bilateral hip, knee, and ankle actuation in both passive and active training modes, approved under NMPA Class II in June 2018.

Clinical Applications

AiDong is specifically indicated for early-stage rehabilitation patients who cannot perform independent walking:

Target patient populations:

• Spinal cord injury patients (paraplegia) in acute/early recovery phase
• Stroke patients (hemiplegia) transitioning from bed rest
• Patients with high muscle tone (Grade 3-4) requiring controlled movement
• Patients with muscle contracture from prolonged immobility
• Early-stage cerebral palsy patients requiring gait introduction

Clinical scenarios:

• Muscle tone reduction: Repetitive controlled movement helps reduce spasticity in patients with high muscle tone. Case reports document patients with Grade 4 muscle tone (requiring multiple assistants to manually extend limbs) achieving significant reduction through AiDong training.
• Contracture prevention: Early mobilization prevents progressive joint stiffness and muscle shortening in bed-bound patients
• Neural pathway activation: Passive walking patterns stimulate proprioceptive feedback and motor cortex activity
• Transition preparation: Patients progress from AiDong to portable systems (AiKang) as recovery advances

Research published in academic literature notes that AiDong functions as a passive walker in early rehabilitation, eliminating the need for active patient exertion while facilitating adaptive use. Studies involving spinal cord injury patients (T6-L2 level) demonstrated performance in standardized walking assessments using the device.

Regulatory Status

AiDong was approved under China’s expedited “green channel” review pathway for innovative medical devices. It was designated as the first Class II innovative medical device approved under this policy nationally.

Clinical Milestones

The AiDong system has been featured in several notable clinical applications:

• 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics: Torch bearer with T7-T8 level high paraplegia completed torch relay wearing AiDong exoskeleton
• Hospital deployments: Installed in major rehabilitation centers including PLA General Hospital (301 Hospital), Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, and Wuhan Tongji Hospital
• Patient outcomes: Documented cases of patients progressing from complete immobility to assisted walking within rehabilitation programs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is AiDong designed for?

AiDong is designed for early-stage rehabilitation patients who cannot support their own body weight or maintain balance independently. This includes patients recently recovering from spinal cord injuries, stroke, or other conditions causing severe lower limb dysfunction. Patients with high muscle tone who cannot perform controlled movements are particularly suited for this frame-supported system.

How does AiDong differ from portable exoskeletons?

AiDong is a frame-mounted system weighing approximately 80kg with integrated support structure, allowing patients to practice walking without bearing their own weight. Portable exoskeletons like AiKang are wearable devices requiring patients to use crutches for balance. AiDong is typically used in clinical settings for early recovery, while portable systems are used for later-stage rehabilitation and eventually home use.

What is the typical treatment progression?

Patients typically begin with AiDong for early-stage rehabilitation, focusing on muscle tone reduction, contracture prevention, and initial gait introduction. As recovery progresses and patients develop some weight-bearing and balance capability, they transition to portable systems like AiKang for overground walking training. The goal is eventual independence from exoskeleton assistance.