MyoStep
A soft wearable pediatric device for gait assistance
Industry
MedTech
Systems
‣ Human-Centered Design
‣ Rapid Prototyping
‣ Interdisciplinary Research
‣ Systems Integration
Credits
‣ Lead Designer & Brand Development: Jess Russi
‣ Designer & User Research: Shruti Shukla
‣ Research Team: Dr. Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal (PI), Jeff Feng, MFA, Elham Morshedzadeh, Ph.D., Shantanu Sarkar, and Brain Lab engineers
‣ Funding: National Science Foundation
Children aged 4 to 12 with cerebral palsy often experience gait abnormalities that require assistance to improve balance, speed, and coordination. However, traditional mobility aids and exoskeletons are typically rigid, heavy, and designed primarily for adults. This one-size-fits-all approach results in intimidating and uncomfortable devices that restrict natural movement, fail to grow with the child, and discourage consistent daily use.
Through deep immersion and consultations with physiotherapists, kinesiologists, and clinical experts, the team recognized that soft, textile-based solutions could effectively replace rigid structures. To balance clinical needs with comfort and the child's dignity, the design needed to emulate everyday clothing. The breakthrough was combining passive elements, like supportive ergonomic fabrics, with active components, such as artificial muscles, to seamlessly support the form and behavior of natural muscle fibers.
The team moved through several months of continuous prototyping, which involved bench testing the active components, revising garment patterns, and exploring various fabrics for optimal flexibility and durability.
Initial user testing with pediatric subjects focused heavily on achieving a safe, comfortable fit while evaluating the accuracy of movement-monitoring sensors embedded in the first layer of the compression fabric. Feedback from users and caregivers drove ongoing refinements.
Fostering independence was a core functional requirement. The suit was designed with strategically placed side straps and discreet zippers, allowing children with mobility challenges to easily pull the suit on and off with minimal assistance from caregivers.
A highly practical, one-piece exosuit garment available in various sizes to accommodate different growth stages. It includes accessible openings that allow the artificial muscles and components to be easily removed so the garment can be washed, reducing the burden on caregivers.
The final design harmoniously integrates three layers: a base compression fabric housing the sensors, a middle layer of active artificial muscles, and a breathable, protective outer layer.
The project successfully delivered a lightweight, silent, and flexible mobility solution that operates unobtrusively. By prioritizing user-friendliness, MyoStep empowers children to dress themselves, actively promoting their physical and emotional independence during both therapy and high-activity periods.
