HipBO Lightweight Hip Exoskeleton

HipBO extends FREE Bionics’ portable exoskeleton line to hip joint support, targeting individuals with hip function decline who wish to maintain active lifestyles including daily walking and recreational hiking.

Product Overview

Jointly developed with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), HipBO debuted at CES 2025 alongside the KneeBO knee exoskeleton. The device weighs under 3 kg and incorporates a built-in metronome to guide walking rhythm, addressing both physical support and gait training needs for elderly users.

HipBO represents FREE Bionics’ expansion beyond medical rehabilitation into lifestyle assistance, enabling users to challenge themselves with activities like mountain hiking while receiving joint support.

Key Features

At under 3 kg, HipBO’s built-in metronome guides walking rhythm while providing powered hip joint support for hiking and daily mobility in elderly users.

• Lightweight Construction: Total weight under 3 kg for comfortable extended wear

• Built-in Metronome: Audio rhythm guidance helps users maintain consistent walking pace and gait pattern

• Hip Joint Support: Provides power assistance to reduce strain during walking and incline climbing

• Versatile Application: Suitable for daily walking, exercise routines, and recreational hiking

• Modular Design: Built on FREE Bionics’ proven joint module technology platform

Technical Specifications

At under 3 kg, FREE Bionics’ HipBO uses impedance sensing with AI to detect gait and deliver hip assistance, with a built-in metronome for rhythm training.

Clinical Applications

HipBO addresses mobility challenges for several user groups:

Hip Joint Decline

• Early-stage hip osteoarthritis management
• Daily walking assistance for elderly users
• Prevention of sedentary lifestyle due to joint discomfort

Active Aging Support

• Recreational hiking assistance
• Extended walking duration with reduced fatigue
• Maintaining physical activity levels despite joint limitations

Gait Training

• Walking rhythm correction through metronome guidance
• Post-hip surgery rehabilitation walking practice
• Fall prevention through improved gait consistency

Market Reception

At CES 2025, HipBO received strong interest from international media. Journalists without knee issues reported feeling the hip assistance more prominently during demonstrations, validating the device’s effectiveness for its target joint. The positive reception has generated international medical institution orders expected to contribute to FREE Bionics’ revenue in coming years.

FREE Bionics CEO Wu Zhenhua noted that the favorable response at CES and MEDICA exhibitions demonstrates global demand for lightweight, wearable joint assistance devices as populations age worldwide.

Regulatory Status

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is HipBO designed for?

HipBO targets elderly individuals with hip joint functional decline who want to maintain active lifestyles. The device provides assistance for daily walking and more challenging activities like hiking.

How does the built-in metronome work?

The metronome provides audio rhythm cues to guide walking pace, helping users maintain consistent gait patterns. This feature supports both rehabilitation training and everyday walking efficiency.

Can HipBO be used for hiking?

Yes, the device is designed to support recreational hiking, providing hip joint assistance during uphill and downhill walking. The lightweight design under 3 kg makes it practical for outdoor activities.

How does HipBO compare to full exoskeletons?

HipBO is a single-joint portable device for individuals with mild to moderate hip function decline, weighing under 3 kg. Full exoskeletons like FREE Walk address severe paralysis and provide full lower-limb support but are heavier and designed primarily for clinical rehabilitation settings.