Tsubakimoto Chain co-developed a prototype of the weight-bearing-assist walking aid FLOVE with Osaka Toneyama Medical Center and is targeting a sales launch in fiscal 2028. The company plans to conduct further trials to demonstrate reduced staffing needs and workload in medical settings.
As part of its medical-engineering collaboration, Tsubakimoto Chain co-developed the prototype of FLOVE, a weight-bearing-assist walking aid for rehabilitation support, with Osaka Toneyama Medical Center. Development is proceeding in collaboration with the Bi-AMPS hub, with repeated verification and improvements planned in clinical settings.
FLOVE is designed to improve the safety and ease of walking practice and features a proprietary harness that eliminates the complexity of fitting conventional harnesses. Large-diameter wheels improve mobility, while the design secures space around the user's feet.
The evaluation indicates that the harness's stability may enable the device to support patients requiring extensive assistance and reduce the number of medical staff needed for fitting from the previous 2 to 1.
Going forward, the company plans to conduct verification and improvements at Osaka Toneyama Medical Center and other National Hospital Organization facilities, as well as develop functions including the digitization of gait analysis. Commercialization is targeted for a sales launch in fiscal 2028.