Genrobotics G-Gaiter to aid patients with paraplegic disabilities to recover rapidly

Genrobotics is a startup that grabbed headlines some time ago for its innovative robotic scavenger

Genrobotics, a startup which grabbed headlines some time ago for its innovative robotic scavenger, is again making the right moves. The Kerala Startup Mission incubated startup company was well applauded for coming up with the world’s first ever robotic scavenger a few years ago.

The company has now launched a robotic gait trainer that helps patients recover rapidly from paraplegic disabilities. Noting that globally about 15 million people are afflicted with stroke annually, Veena George, Kerala’s Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Women and Child Development, said the golden hour treatment is vital for this medical condition, which is also rampant in India.

The Minister said as part of decentralising of healthcare delivery, Stroke Stabilisation Units and treatment facilities have been set up in government hospitals across 14 districts in Kerala.  

Genrobotics’ G-Gaiter to change treatment, rehab of patients with paraplegic conditions

Elaborating the state’s preparedness in treating stroke, she said the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has set up country’s first Stroke Registry Centre in Medical College Hospital (MCH), Thiruvananthapuram, in collaboration with the Neuro Department. A dedicated Cath lab and ICU has also been arranged.

Awareness programmes have also been bolstered as part of preventive measures, the Minister said. She exuded confidence that the launch of G-Gaiter will bring about a qualitative change in the treatment and rehabilitation of patients suffering from paraplegic condition.

G-Gaiter will assist patients with paraplegic conditions, caused by stroke, traumatic spinal cord injury, and cerebral palsy, increase their mobility, consistency, and quality of gait pattern. In the initial phase, the robotic gait trainer will be used in four hospitals in Kerala including the General Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram.

G-Gaiter’s Artificial Intelligence-powered natural human gait pattern and top-notch rehabilitation functions aim to increase mobility as well as the consistency and quality of gait patterns. The functionality of the robot enables medical professionals to creatively design therapy based on each patient’s needs by saving time and effort.

Developed using indigenous gait training technology

Developed by using indigenous gait training technology, G-Gaiter has already received the patent. The developers hope to make the product available at a minimal rate of Rs 1.5 crore at hospitals in the state. G-Gaiter will be used in physical medical rehabilitation centres in the hospital and other physiotherapy centres. 

Rathan U Kelkar, Principal Secretary, Electronics and IT, Government of Kerala; Anoop Ambika, CEO, KSUM; Dr Saji Gopinath, Vice Chancellor, Kerala University of Digital Sciences, Innovation and Technology; Vimal Govind M K, Managing Director and CEO, Genrobotics; and Rashid K, Co-founder and Director, Genrobotics, were also present at the launch of G-Gaiter.

Afzal Muttikal, Chief Marketing Officer, Genrobotics, said G-Gaiter aims to improve the physical mobility of patients, who are paralysed after accidents or a neurological disorder. G-Gaiter will help patients with paraplegic disorders achieve their goal of re-walking flawlessly. This would be one of the best alternatives to meet the shortcomings of the traditional gait training method, he added.