ONCE UPON A GENE - EPISODE 186 - The Tréxō Robot and the Many Benefits of this Technology for Kids with Disabilities with the Founder and CEO Manmeet Maggu
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Manmeet Maggu is the Founder & CEO of Tréxō Robotics. Manmeet’s commitment to helping children with cerebral palsy walk drove the vision for Tréxō. An engineer and MBA by training, Manmeet has previously worked in several technical and project management roles before inventing a device called Tréxō, a robotic walker used in therapy programs. He joins me on this episode for a deep dive into the device.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
What is the origin of your vision for the Tréxō device?
I have a background in robotics, but the history of Tréxō begins when I found out my nephew was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and learned he wouldn't be able to walk. I convinced my friends to help build a prototype for my nephew to help him walk. We worked hard, flew the device to India to try it with my nephew and it didn't work. We made a few more changes and tried again and it allowed him to take a few steps, which proved technology could be a bridge to improving access in his life. Other families started inquiring about getting a Tréxō for their child and that's when the company was born, with the goal of enabling walking for any child that wished to do so.
How does the Tréxō work?
The Tréxō is designed around an existing walker called a Rifton Dynamic Pacer. The Rifton is the base support structure and we design the robotic legs that attach onto the Rifton. The Rifton provides support and the legs provide the power to walk. Full control is in the hands of the parent or caretaker, operated by a tablet interface. There are different modes for each child's needs and abilities. Sensors on the device detect the user's initiation, if they're helping or resisting and where in the gait they're helping. There are a lot of features built into the system which allows for the maximum potential benefit from physical therapy, walking and exercise.
How do families obtain a Tréxō for home use?
If you want to buy the Tréxō, it costs $35K-$40K, but it can also be leased for around $1K per month on a 12 month lease. Many families use fundraisers, grants or Make-A-Wish. We are starting to get some insurance coverage as well. Families can look at the fundraising and grant resources on our website.
LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED
Fundraising and Grant Resources
Find a clinical location with a Tréxō
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