Los Angeles-based Evolution Devices has developed technology that aims to increase mobility for people living with walking impairments.
The startup's platform is powered by the EvoWalk, a data-driven wearable device that uses "Functional Electrical Stimulation" to send electrical stimulation impulses to the user's leg muscles, cuing the leg to lift the foot as they walk, said company co-founder Pierluigi Mantovani.
The platform uses artificial intelligence algorithms to track the user's unique walking patterns. This, Mantovani said, helps the device deliver the correct stimulation on every step. Mantovani co-founded Evolution Devices in 2018, alongside Juan Rodriguez and Pierre Karashchuk.
"Something really cool and important is the idea of being able to collect info about how people walk in the real world, throughout their house or even outside." Mantovani said. "A physical therapist used to only be able to see someone walk in a really controlled environment. Now, we’re getting this qualifiable data about how people walk throughout the day."
The data is then available to the patient and the patient's doctor through an app, which can help clinicians and physical therapists personalize a rehabilitation program.
Mantovani said they began working on the first prototype to help his father who developed a walking impairment about 10 years ago during the early stages of multiple sclerosis. The device is a resizable strap that is placed just below the knee.
"We created an AI algorithm that helps decide when to stimulate the muscles, from person to person and different walking styles," he said. "You set your electrical stimulation level, and it’ll stimulate at the right time and record information about how you walk."
Evolution Devices was one of seven startups accepted into the Verizon Forward for Good: Disability Innovation accelerator. As a part of the 16-week program, the startup will receive $50,000 in non-dilutive funding, access to mentors and resources and assistance as it works to perfect its tech.
"Right now, they're helping us build out our technology," Mantovani said. "Being a part of the program and meeting the teams from the cohort has been amazing. There’s a big emphasis on designing with and not for."
Mantovani said they've tested the device and its tech on more than 50 people through clinical partnerships in Los Angeles, Boston and San Francisco. He said he hopes to have clearance from the Food and Drug Administration by the end of the year. That will allow Evolution Devices to legally market and sell the device to the public.
"Getting more clinical partnerships is a huge focus for the year," he said. "Once we get the FDA clearance, it’ll be about getting it into the hands of people who need it."
