Human in Motion Robotics

Market position

HMR is described in press coverage as a Vancouver-based robotics company specializing in human-centric wearable robotic technologies and is listed among notable robotics companies in Vancouver alongside A&K Robotics, Sanctuary AI, Novarc Technologies and Neupeak Robotics. The company and third-party coverage characterize XoMotion as the first device of its kind to mimic physiological lower-extremity motion and as among the most advanced wearable lower-body robotic systems. Its device has not yet received FDA clearance.

The company positions XoMotion against existing exoskeletons that support a single motion, typically forward walking, and require arm crutches or a human attendant for balance. HMR states its system is self-balancing and hands-free, supports the full range of lower-limb motion and complex maneuvers, and produces stable human-like gaits, making users independent of crutches and attendants. Patented technology for generating and transferring complex motion to human joints, advanced sensor arrays and multi-modal controllers underpin these claims, and an open control platform for outside investigators is offered as a further point of distinction.

Technology

XoMotion is a wearable lower-body exoskeleton built on patented technology for generating and transferring complex motion to human joints, enabling self-balancing, hands-free operation and stable human-like gaits across the full range of lower-extremity motion. It combines advanced sensor systems, multi-modal controllers, motion algorithms, custom electronics and software, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery with integrated smart battery management and hot-swap capability for continuous use. A flexible, open control system is available to investigators, with access to kinematic, activity and sensor-based data. The technology originated in self-balancing prototypes developed at Simon Fraser University, with a 2019 Beta I prototype named "Eli."

Go-to-market

Initial commercialization targets rehabilitation centers through the XoMotion-R ambulatory training configuration, supported by clinical trials at HMR and partner sites and by a direct clinical-specialist contact channel on the company website. The company recruits research collaborators among academic, clinical and robotics investigators, partners with key opinion leaders, patient advocate groups and healthcare organizations to validate the platform, and uses end-user stories and press coverage, including a June 2025 IEEE Spectrum cover story and reporting on a former Humboldt Broncos player walking with the exoskeleton, to build visibility. A Vancouver-based accounting firm provided assurance support and assisted with investor due diligence questions.

Rehabilitation centers and clinicians retraining spinal cord injury patients to stand and walk; academic, clinical and robotics researchers seeking an open exoskeleton control platform; patients with mobility impairments participating in clinical trials; and, in planned later stages, people with stroke and other neurological conditions and individual users for personal daily mobility. Press coverage also notes the company explores exoskeleton systems for construction, military, gaming and elderly assistance applications.

Geography

Headquarters in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (a Gust profile lists North Vancouver, BC), with an office in Seoul, South Korea serving the APAC region. The company states it is seeking partners to bring XoMotion to markets across the globe, and coverage notes support from investors and the Canadian government for its R&D.

History

Longtime academic collaborators Dr. Edward Park and Dr. Siamak Arzanpour, both professors of mechatronic systems engineering at Simon Fraser University, began working together on next-generation exoskeleton technology in 2014. After building early self-balancing prototypes at SFU, they incorporated Human in Motion Robotics in 2016 to commercialize the XoMotion platform and other robotic healthcare solutions. A 2019 Beta I prototype ("Eli") enabled a user to walk independently four years after injury. In May 2023 the company closed a Series A round of over $10 million led by Korean investor Beno Holdings, which contributed $8 million, to scale operations, expand production and pursue regulatory clearance. Subsequent milestones include the XoMotion-R clinical configuration reaching rehabilitation centers, a 2025 TAG Award for MedTech Innovation, and a June 2025 IEEE Spectrum cover story.

Risks & controversies

XoMotion is not yet cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and part of the Series A proceeds were earmarked for pursuing regulatory clearance, leaving commercialization in key markets dependent on future approvals. A Gust profile lists the company at prototype-ready stage with four employees, and the founders describe an early history constrained by limited funding. Clinical validation is still in progress through ongoing trials at HMR and partner sites.