Liberty MedTech prepares for clinical testing of its rehabilitation device

The World Health Organization reports that 15% of the global population lives with some form of disability, highlighting the critical need for effective rehabilitation technology. In a significant move addressing this need, Ticino-based startup Liberty MedTech has developed a whole-body rehabilitation device, the Liberty Rehabilitation Platform, whose full-scale prototype has been successfully tested at the Institute for Human Centred Engineering of Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH).

Liberty MedTech is now gearing up to start clinical testing and certification of its device, scheduled for the third quarter of 2024. To facilitate this critical stage, the startup has announced its first round of external private investment, aiming to raise a total of 3 million Swiss francs, including at least 1 million from private investors to access funding for startups before market entry provided by Innosuisse.

Founder Niklaus Stocker expressed enthusiasm about the potential impact of Liberty’s rehabilitation technology: "We are excited to start this pivotal phase of growth. Our mission is to revolutionize rehabilitation by offering innovative solutions that enhance patient outcomes and their quality of life." With plans to secure private investment, Liberty MedTech aims to expand its market presence and forge partnerships with medical institutions and rehabilitation centres worldwide.

Innovative device for bed-confined patients

Developed in collaboration with researchers from BFH’s Laboratory for Rehabilitation Engineering and the Reha Rheinfelden rehabilitation centre, the Liberty Rehabilitation Platform addresses the need for effective rehabilitation for bed-confined patients. Featuring a metal framework with 17 integrated motors connected to the patient via flexible cables, Liberty enables natural arm and leg movements in multiple directions during therapy sessions, improving early-stage rehabilitation outcomes. The key technical innovation lies in the use of flexible cable connections between the actuators and the patient’s limbs, providing a more engaging and effective rehabilitation experience compared to conventional rigid robotic structures.

A full-scale prototype of the Liberty Rehabilitation Platform has been developed and successfully tested on able-bodied participants. The product has already been patented in Israel and the U.S., with patent approval pending in Europe. Clinical trials will assess the platform's efficacy and safety in real-world rehabilitation settings.

(Luca Calderara)
Picture: Berner Fachhochschule