Yves Béhar Develops Mobility-Enhancing ‘Bionic Clothing’

The Neural Sleeve is a fabric leg wrap fitted with sensors and electrodes that deliver functional electrical stimulation to activate certain muscles. It can ease walking, improve strength and range of motion, and enhance the overall comfort of individuals living with neuromuscular issues – like cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries – and those recovering from a stroke.

The wearable leverages artificial intelligence to respond and customise settings to work with the wearer’s gait. The device also sends data captured from the sensors to an app, so users can monitor their rehabilitation progress and share this information with healthcare professionals.

Béhar’s studio Fuseproject constructed Neural Sleeve with a simple wrap fixture, making it easy to put on and take off for individuals of varying ages and physical abilities. The breathable and slim fabrication (made from nylon and lycra), and tasteful grey and blue colourways give wearers the confidence to don the device under clothing or wear it uncovered.

It taps into a huge number of people living with reduced mobility – 13.7% of American adults experience difficulty walking or climbing stairs (CDC, 2018), while 90% of China’s 85 million people with a disability require rehabilitation (NCBI, 2017). The growing role of telehealth services presents a ripe opportunity for accompanying wearables that allow users to pre-empt injuries and monitor their health between doctor visits.

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