Introduction: Why the Mojo Exoskeleton is a Game Changer
A Growing Need for Mobility Solutions
Malta's ageing population, combined with a high prevalence of mobility-related conditions, is driving demand for innovative solutions. Traditional aids like walking sticks, rollators, or wheelchairs often fall short, leading to fatigue, dependency, or discomfort. The Mojo exoskeleton offers a modern, non-invasive alternative, enabling natural walking without constraint.
- Ageing population: by 2050, 2 billion people will be over 60, the majority with mobility issues, and Malta mirrors this trend with its growing elderly demographic.
- Limitations of traditional aids: a walking stick doesn't correct balance, a rollator restricts arm use, and a wheelchair reduces muscle activity.
- Mojo exoskeleton: a solution that amplifies natural movements without extra effort, unlike passive devices.
What is the Mojo Exoskeleton?
The Mojo exoskeleton is a portable, motorised device designed for the legs. It consists of inertial sensors, silent motors, a lithium-ion battery, and an artificial intelligence algorithm that analyses gait in real-time. The goal is simple: amplify natural movements to reduce effort and improve stability.
- Definition: a lightweight, intelligent, motorised exoskeleton for the lower limbs.
- Components: motion sensors, electric motors, rechargeable battery, adaptive gait algorithm.
- Objective: to provide muscle assistance precisely when needed, without hindering natural movement.
Technical Features and How the Mojo Exoskeleton Works
Ergonomic Design and Lightweight Build
Weighing under 5 kg, the Mojo exoskeleton stands out for its lightness and adaptability. It can be worn over trousers and fitted in under a minute without tools. Composite materials and breathable fabrics ensure optimal comfort, even during prolonged use in Malta's warm climate.
- Weight: under 5 kg, evenly distributed across the legs and pelvis.
- Adaptability: quick adjustments to fit different body shapes (height, thigh circumference).
- Comfort: breathable materials and padding at contact points to prevent irritation, ideal for Malta's humid summers.
Motion Detection Technology
The core of the Mojo exoskeleton lies in its inertial and pressure sensors that anticipate each step. The AI algorithm learns the user's gait and adjusts assistance in real-time. Several modes are available: walking on flat ground, climbing, descending, and sit-to-stand transitions.
- Sensors: inertial (gyroscope, accelerometer) and pressure sensors under the feet.
- Adaptive AI: continuous gait analysis to personalise assistance.
- Walking modes: automatic or manual, with smooth transitions between phases.
Battery Life and Charging
The lithium-ion battery offers up to 8 hours of continuous use, enough for a full day of activity in Malta. Fast charging in 2 hours via USB-C allows for hassle-free daily use. An LED indicator displays the battery level in real-time.
- Battery life: 6 to 8 hours depending on usage intensity and selected mode.
- Charging: 2 hours for a full charge, compatible with standard USB-C chargers.
- Indicator: colour-coded LED (green, orange, red) to show remaining battery.
Benefits for Seniors: Regaining Independence and Safety
Improved Balance and Reduced Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury among seniors in Malta. The Mojo exoskeleton acts as active support during weight-bearing and weight-shifting phases. A clinical study showed a 40% reduction in falls among regular users. It corrects postural imbalances related to ageing or conditions like sarcopenia.
- Active support: assistance during the stance phase to stabilise the leg.
- Postural correction: detects imbalances and adjusts assistance accordingly.
- Clinical study: 40% reduction in falls after 3 months of daily use.
Maintaining Social Life and Daily Activities
The Mojo exoskeleton allows seniors to stay active: walking to the supermarket, gardening, or playing with grandchildren without excessive fatigue. It facilitates movement both indoors and outdoors, reducing the social isolation often linked to loss of mobility. In Malta, this is especially valuable for navigating the islands' historic streets and bustling markets.
- Daily activities: walking in shops, strolling in the park, climbing stairs.
- Reduced fatigue: muscle assistance allows for longer periods of standing.
- Testimonial: "I can garden and play with my grandchildren again," Marie, 72 years old.
Mojo Exoskeleton in Rehabilitation: A Revolutionary Tool for Physiotherapists
Muscle Strengthening and Post-Stroke Recovery
The Mojo exoskeleton is a valuable ally in rehabilitation. It offers progressive assistance to stimulate muscles without overloading them, ideal after a stroke or orthopaedic surgery. Real-time feedback helps correct pathological gait patterns and avoid harmful compensations. Maltese physiotherapists are increasingly integrating it into their protocols.
- Progressive assistance: adjustable from 0% to 100% based on patient needs.
- Real-time feedback: gait visualisation on an app for the therapist.
- Complementarity: used alongside traditional physiotherapy sessions to accelerate recovery.
Customisable Rehabilitation Protocols
Physiotherapists can configure the Mojo exoskeleton according to each patient's goals: assistance level, walking speed, range of motion. Data is recorded and accessible via a mobile app, enabling precise monitoring and regular adjustments.
- Configuration: adjustment of assistance, speed, and range by the therapist.
- Data tracking: step count, usage duration, gait quality.
- Example: rehabilitation after a femoral neck fracture or hip replacement, with 30% faster return to walking.
Mojo Exoskeleton for Hiking: Pushing Your Limits in the Great Outdoors
Assistance for Inclines and Long Distances
The Mojo exoskeleton has specific modes for hiking. In climb mode, it boosts push-off to tackle hills without getting out of breath. In descent mode, it provides controlled braking to protect the knees. With an 8-hour battery life, it enables hikes of 15 km with elevation gain, perfect for Malta's scenic trails like the Victoria Lines.
- Climb mode: increased push-off to reduce quadriceps effort.
- Descent mode: progressive braking to avoid impact on joints.
- Battery life: sufficient for a full day of moderate hiking.
Testimonials from Amateur Hikers
Users aged 68 report having been able to redo the GR20 thanks to the Mojo exoskeleton. A hiker suffering from arthritis reports less pain and more enjoyment on her outings. Compared to other exoskeletons, Mojo is more discreet and lighter, making it ideal for hiking.
- Testimonial: "I was able to redo the GR20 thanks to the Mojo," user aged 68.
- Hiker with arthritis: "Less pain, more pleasure, I walk 10 km without suffering."
- Comparison: Mojo is more discreet and lighter than competing models like Ekso or ReWalk.
Mojo Exoskeleton in the Workplace: Safety and Productivity
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
In physically demanding jobs (logistics, construction, agriculture), the Mojo exoskeleton reduces muscle fatigue by an average of 30%. It supports the back and legs during repetitive lifting tasks, thus preventing MSDs like lower back pain or tendonitis. In Malta, this is crucial for industries like tourism and warehousing.
- Lumbar support: assistance during bending and lifting.
- Fatigue reduction: 30% less fatigue over a working day.
- Suitable for professions: logistics, construction, agriculture, handling.
Return on Investment for Businesses
Companies that equip their employees with the Mojo exoskeleton see a decrease in sick leave related to MSDs and an increase in productivity. A concrete example: a delivery company equipped 50 delivery drivers and observed a 20% reduction in workplace accidents.
- Reduction in sick leave: 15% to 25% decrease depending on the sector.
- Productivity: increase of 10% to 15% due to reduced fatigue.
- Example: delivery company with 50 equipped drivers, return on investment in 6 months.
Comparison with Other Exoskeletons on the Market
Mojo vs. Ekso Bionics vs. ReWalk
The Mojo exoskeleton positions itself as a lightweight, affordable solution for daily use. In comparison, Ekso Bionics is focused on clinical rehabilitation with heavier, more expensive equipment. ReWalk is designed for paraplegics and requires the use of crutches, which limits freedom of movement.
- Mojo: 5 kg, €5,500, daily use, no crutches.
- Ekso Bionics: 20 kg, €100,000, clinical use, requires a therapist.
- ReWalk: 25 kg, €70,000, paraplegics, requires crutches.
Value for Money and Accessibility
With a price of around €5,500, the Mojo exoskeleton is far more accessible than its competitors. Financial aid is available: partial reimbursement by some health insurance providers, support from the Malta Enterprise scheme for businesses, and rental options. Exyvex offers personalised financing and support solutions tailored to the Maltese market.
- Price: approximately €5,500, compared to €70,000 to €100,000 for competitors.
- Support: health insurance, Malta Enterprise, monthly rental from €150.
- Accessibility: Exyvex supports individuals and businesses in selection and financing.
User Reviews and Feedback
Testimonials from Seniors and People with Reduced Mobility
Users of the Mojo exoskeleton report a significant improvement in their quality of life. Marie, 72, states: "I walk without a stick since I got the Mojo." Jean, 58, post-stroke, says his rehabilitation was twice as fast. The average rating on specialist platforms is 4.7/5.
- Marie, 72: "I walk without a stick since I got the Mojo, I feel free."
- Jean, 58, post-stroke: "My rehabilitation was twice as fast thanks to the progressive assistance."
- Average rating: 4.7/5 on specialist assisted mobility platforms.
Reviews from Healthcare Professionals
Physiotherapists and occupational therapists recommend the Mojo exoskeleton as an effective complementary tool. One physiotherapist notes: "It's an effective complementary tool for rehabilitation, especially for patients who are afraid of falling." An occupational therapist adds: "It helps seniors stay at home by restoring their confidence in their abilities."
- Physiotherapist: "An effective complementary tool for rehabilitation, especially for patients who are afraid of falling."
- Occupational therapist: "Helps seniors stay at home by restoring their confidence."
- Recommendation: integration into care protocols for patients in rehabilitation or at risk of falling.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Mojo exoskeleton and how does it work?
The Mojo exoskeleton is a portable, motorised device for the legs that detects the user's movements via sensors and provides real-time muscle assistance. It amplifies natural strength, thereby reducing effort and improving stability.
How much does a Mojo exoskeleton cost and is it reimbursed?
The price of the Mojo exoskeleton is approximately €5,500. Some health insurance providers and the Malta Enterprise scheme (for businesses) may cover part of the cost. Exyvex offers tailored financing solutions.
