KneeBO Portable Knee Exoskeleton

KneeBO addresses the needs of the sub-healthy aging population with a compact, lightweight knee exoskeleton that provides walking assistance and rehabilitation support. Weighing only 1.5 kg, the device showcased at CES 2025 attracted significant attention from international media and healthcare providers.

Product Overview

Developed by FREE Bionics as an extension of their medical exoskeleton technology, KneeBO targets individuals with knee joint functional decline rather than severe paralysis. The single-joint design makes it considerably more portable than full lower-limb exoskeletons, enabling daily use for activities like walking and light exercise.

Company CEO Wu Zhenhua developed the initial KneeBO prototype after experiencing personal knee discomfort, recognizing that existing exoskeleton technology could benefit not just severely disabled patients but also the much larger population of elderly individuals with mild to moderate joint issues.

Key Features

For elderly users with knee joint decline, FREE Bionics’ KneeBO provides powered knee assistance at 1.5 kg with AI impedance sensing and a one-minute donning time, suitable for daily walking and home use.

• Ultra-Lightweight Design: 1.5 kg total weight minimizes burden on users

• Quick Donning: Users can put on the device within approximately one minute

• Impedance Sensing: Inherits FREE Bionics’ sensor-free AI technology to detect user intent without skin-mounted electrodes

• Power Assistance: Provides knee joint support to reduce strain during walking and stair climbing

• Modular Architecture: Built on the same modular joint technology platform as NimBO

Technical Specifications

For sub-healthy aging and post-surgical knee recovery, KneeBO weighs 1.5 kg, dons in approximately one minute, and uses AI-driven impedance sensing at the single knee joint to detect and assist the user’s natural movement intent.

Clinical Applications

KneeBO serves several user populations:

Degenerative Joint Conditions

• Knee osteoarthritis management
• Daily mobility assistance for elderly with joint deterioration
• Prevention of further joint degradation through supported activity

Post-Surgical Recovery

• Knee surgery rehabilitation
• Gradual return to walking activities
• Muscle strength maintenance during recovery

Preventive Application

• Maintaining mobility in early-stage joint decline
• Reducing fall risk in elderly populations
• Supporting active aging for sub-healthy individuals

Market Reception

KneeBO debuted at CES 2025 alongside the HipBO product, jointly developed with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). International media coverage highlighted the practical benefits, with journalists who had personal knee issues reporting particularly positive experiences during hands-on demonstrations.

The product has generated international orders following exhibitions at MEDICA in Düsseldorf and CES, with medical institutions placing orders that will contribute to company revenue in coming years.

Regulatory Status

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is KneeBO designed for?

KneeBO targets the “sub-healthy” population—individuals over 60 with knee joint discomfort or early-stage degeneration who do not require full exoskeleton support but would benefit from walking assistance.

How heavy is KneeBO?

KneeBO weighs approximately 1.5 kg, making it one of the more portable knee exoskeleton options available. Users can don the device in about one minute.

Is KneeBO available for home use?

Yes, the portable design enables home use. FREE Bionics is developing rental and purchase options to make the device accessible for personal daily use outside clinical settings.

How does KneeBO differ from FREE Walk?

FREE Walk is a full hip-knee powered exoskeleton for patients with significant paralysis or spinal cord injury. KneeBO is a lightweight single-joint device for individuals with mild to moderate knee function decline who can walk independently but benefit from joint support.