Axiles Bionics and VUB-BruBotics receive a €2M R&D grant from Innoviris

Current prostheses are still a long way off from answering the needs of amputees. Based on 13 years of Innoviris-supported research at BruBotics (VUB), blending advanced robotics, artificial intelligence and human biomechanics, Axiles Bionics developed a technology that will soon become the first intelligent bionic foot for lower leg amputees. The unique technology focuses on bringing back a natural gait and posture during daily life activities, on providing high responsiveness to the person’s intention, and on assisting during efforts by compensating for the lost leg muscles. The ultimate vision of Axiles Bionics is to make amputees feel complete again.

“This project was born in the labs of BruBotics and I am grateful for having the chance to bring this technology to the people so that they may benefit from it. I am also thankful for the continued trust and support from both Innoviris and BruBotics, in our team and in our vision. Together, I believe we have the strength and the expertise to build a center of excellence in intelligent bionic technologies, here in Brussels.”, says Dr. ir. Pierre Cherelle, CEO of Axiles Bionics.

“Under our vision of AI and Robotics for the common good, it is important that our research does not stay in the lab, but is used both to solve societal challenges as to create new economic markets. The further collaboration with Axiles Bionics is an important step to overcome disabilities. This is in line with the ambition of the Brussels-Capital Region to turn Brussels into an AI capital.“, says Prof. Dr. ir. Bram Vanderborght, Head of BruBotics

"It is when technology is put at the service of humans and the planet that it makes the greatest advances.  With the development of this new generation prosthesis and the support of Innoviris, Axiles Bionics and the VUB are once again demonstrating the excellence of Brussels Research and Innovation. They also illustrate the willingness of the Brussels Government to redirect research resources for the benefit of the well-being and the quality of life of the people of Brussels and their environment. The results of the project will contribute in particular to improving the lives of amputees, in Brussels and, ultimately, throughout the world," says Barbara Trachte, Brussels Secretary of State for Scientific Research.

^{About INNOVIRIS}

^{As the Brussels Institute for Research and Innovation, Innoviris supports Brussels companies, research institutes, non-profit organisations and citizens through the funding of innovative projects. www.innoviris.brussels}

^{About AXILES BIONICS}

^{Incorporated in January 2019, Axiles Bionics is a spin-off from BruBotics (VUB) with a mission to improve the quality of life of people with smart assistive robotics and with an ambition to build an innovation center of excellence in new bionic technologies in Brussels. www.axilesbionics.com}

^{About BRUBOTICS}

^{The Brussels Human Robotics Research Center, BruBotics, is a joint initiative of 8 research groups of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) striving to improve quality of life through Human Robotics. With over 100 researchers combining expertise in robotics, AI, rehabilitation, physiology, sociology, ageing, marketing and eHealth, BruBotics is one of the leaders in European human robotics research. www.brubotics.eu}

^{About VUB and Vice-Rectorate Innovation & Industry Relations}

^{Vrije Universiteit Brussel is an internationally oriented university that provides excellent research and education on a human scale  to make an active and committed contribution to a better society. The Vice-Rectorate Innovation & Industry Relations aims to connect the university’s innovative research expertise with society and industry. https://www.vub.be/en/innovate}