FREE Walk Lower Limb Exoskeleton

FREE Walk represents FREE Bionics’ flagship rehabilitation exoskeleton, developed from research that began at Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute in 2012. The device assists patients with spinal cord injuries and lower limb weakness to stand, walk, and perform functional rehabilitation training.

Product Overview

Designed as a hip-knee powered exoskeleton, FREE Walk mimics the human skeletal system’s function of supporting muscles and transmitting movement force. Four motors positioned at the hip and knee joints generate walking power, while a central controller coordinates their actions similar to how the brain controls limb movement. The system received TFDA, CE Mark, and MDSAP certifications in 2019, enabling distribution across Taiwan, Europe, Japan, Malaysia, and other international markets.

Key Features

Certified TFDA, CE, and MDSAP in 2019 and deployed across approximately one-third of Taiwan’s medical centers, FREE Walk powers hip and knee joints for spinal cord injury patients with sensor-free impedance control.

• Sensor-Free Operation: Unlike EMG-based competitors, FREE Walk uses impedance sensing through precision motors to detect user intent, eliminating issues with skin sensors affected by sweat or incorrect placement

• Adjustable Mechanics: Hardware components adapt to different user body sizes, while software parameters allow customization of walking speed and stride height

• Safety Design: Includes mechanisms for safe wheelchair-to-exoskeleton transfer, pressure sore prevention through gapped joint design, and fall prevention through movement validation

• 90-Degree Leg Opening: Robot legs open wide for easy donning and doffing, supporting user independence

• Ankle Sagging Prevention: Design mimics human ankle mechanics for protection during gait

• Controller-Embedded Crutches: Integrated control interface for intuitive operation while maintaining balance

Technical Specifications

FREE Walk powers hip and knee joints bilaterally with approximately 2 hours of battery life; impedance-based intent detection requires no EMG patches, and mechanical sizing plus software parameters adapt to individual users.

Clinical Applications

FREE Walk serves patients requiring gait rehabilitation including:

• Complete and incomplete spinal cord injury (with sufficient upper body strength)
• Lower limb weakness from neurological conditions
• Functional standing and walking training
• Early-stage rehabilitation to maintain joint mobility

The device enables patients in both acute and chronic phases to perform structured rehabilitation programs. Clinical studies at National Taiwan University Hospital contributed to the technology’s initial development over a decade ago.

Regulatory Status

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use FREE Walk?

FREE Walk is designed for patients with spinal cord injuries and lower limb paralysis who retain sufficient upper body strength to use crutches for balance. A clinical assessment determines individual suitability.

How much does FREE Walk cost?

FREE Bionics offers both purchase and rental options in Taiwan. Contact the company directly for current pricing. The rental model provides accessibility for patients who need the device during specific rehabilitation periods.

Where is FREE Walk available?

The device is distributed in approximately 20 countries including Taiwan, Japan, China, Malaysia, and multiple European nations. In Taiwan, approximately one-third of medical centers have deployed FREE Walk systems.

How does FREE Walk compare to other exoskeletons?

FREE Walk differentiates through its sensor-free impedance detection approach, eliminating the need for EMG patches that can fail due to sweat or misplacement. The system also provides quantitative data for rehabilitation progress tracking.