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Axiles Bionics is a Belgian company founded in January 2019 as a spin-off from the Human Robotics Research Center at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. The company specializes in the development and manufacturing of ankle-foot prostheses, including both passive and bionic models, designed to replicate natural movements for individuals with lower limb amputations[1][2].

Axiles Bionics
Company typeLimited liability company
IndustryOrthopedic surgery
Founded2019
Founder
  • Pierre Cherelle
  • Felipe Gomez
  • Jacques Langhendries
  • Claire Cherelle
Headquarters,
Belgium
Products
Websitehttps://www.axilesbionics.com/

History

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Axiles Bionics traces its origins to the research conducted by Pierre Cherelle and his colleagues at the BruBotics research center of the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. For over 12 years, these researchers worked on robotics, artificial intelligence, and human biomechanics, aiming to recreate the complex functionality of human joints, particularly the ankle[1][2].

In January 2019, after developing several prototypes of robotic prosthetics, Pierre Cherelle, supported by his co-founders Felipe Gomez, Claire Cherelle, and Jacques Langhendries, founded Axiles Bionics[3][4]. The company's foundation aimed to develop more advanced solutions for individuals with lower limb amputations. The goal was to create ankle-foot prosthetics capable of restoring as natural a movement as possible, using advanced technologies[5].

Research and Development

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Axiles Bionics focuses its research efforts on integrating advanced technologies into its prosthetics, such as deep learning and reinforcement learning[6]. These technologies enable the prosthetic to adapt to the user's movements in real-time and anticipate their future actions. The goal is to create prosthetics that continuously improve and personalize their functionality based on each user.

Another area of development is flexible biomechanical actuation, which combines springs and motors to optimize energy consumption while providing effective mechanical assistance. This approach allows the prosthetic to remain functional even in real and changing conditions[6][7].

Products

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Lunaris Passive Ankle-Foot Prosthesis

Axiles Bionics markets the Lunaris prosthetic range, which includes the Lunaris Essential, Lunaris IO, and Lunaris IO+ models—passive ankle-foot prosthetics derived from their research on bionic feet[8][9]. The Lunaris prosthetics utilize biomechanical mechanisms to replicate the natural movement of the foot without requiring active motorization. These models are designed to offer a simpler alternative to more complex solutions while remaining suitable for everyday use[10].

The company is also continuing to develop more advanced models that integrate cutting-edge technologies, aiming to enhance the responsiveness and adaptability of prosthetics to meet users' specific needs[6].

Funding

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Axiles Bionics has benefited from multiple funding rounds, including a €2.4 million raise in 2019 to support the technological development and clinical validation of its products[11]. In addition to private funding, the company has also received public grants, notably €500,000 from Innoviris[5] for the development of its artificial intelligence technology, as well as financial support from the King Baudouin Foundation[12] and the European Commission, the latter providing €2.5 million through the European Innovation Council to strengthen its innovation capabilities[13].

Grants and Awards

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  • International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems 2017 – Award for innovation in robotics[14].
  • MedTech Award 2017 – For contributions to the medical technology sector[15].
  • euRobotics Technology Transfer Award 2020 – For excellence in technology transfer[16].
  • YouthStart Entrepreneurship Fund 2021 – For supporting entrepreneurship[12].
  • Innovative Starters Award 2021 – For innovation in emerging technologies[17].
  • European Technology Award 2022 – Award in the robotics category[18].
  • European Innovation Council 2023 – Grant for innovation from the European Commission[13].
Pierre Cherelle, CEO of Axiles Bionics, at the European Technology Awards 2022 ceremony.

Notes et references

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  1. ^ a b "Pierre Cherelle". Vrije Universiteit Brussel. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  2. ^ a b "BruBotics - Vrije Universiteit Brussel - Spin-Offs". BruBotics - Vrije Universiteit Brussel (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  3. ^ "About Axiles Bionics". www.axilesbionics.com. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  4. ^ Knack, Redactie (2022-08-30). "Felipe Gomez". Knack (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  5. ^ a b "Self-learning prosthetics from Axiles helps people get back on their feet". IO. 2022-02-16. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  6. ^ a b c "3 Innovations in Bionic Prosthetics: AI and biomechanics | Axiles Bionics". www.axilesbionics.com. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  7. ^ Axiles Bionics (2022-04-05). ISPO Talk | Axiles Bionics. Retrieved 2024-10-06 – via YouTube.
  8. ^ "Lifetech: Axiles Bionics designs and develops the Formula 1 of prosthetics in Brussels | Axiles Bionics". www.axilesbionics.com. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  9. ^ "Axiles Bionics Unveils the New Lunaris Product Line | Axiles Bionics". www.axilesbionics.com. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  10. ^ "Lunaris: Redefining Prosthetic Feet". www.axilesbionics.com. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  11. ^ "VUB Spin Off Axiles Bionics successfully completes a €2.4M Series A financing round". press.vub.ac.be. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  12. ^ a b "Alliance philanthropique au service de l'entrepreneuriat". Koning Boudewijnstichting (in French). Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  13. ^ a b "EIC : €2.5 million from the European Commission | Axiles Bionics". www.axilesbionics.com. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  14. ^ "IROS 2017, Vancouver, Canada - Competition Results and Winners". ewh.ieee.org. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  15. ^ "Axiles Bionics : une prothèse du pied mélange robotique et intelligence artificielle". www.lespecialiste.be (in French). Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  16. ^ "TechTransfer Award | euRobotics". Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  17. ^ "Axiles Bionics en Tapio winnen Innovative Starters Award en 1 miljoen euro steun". Bloovi (in Dutch). 2022-02-03. Retrieved 2024-10-06.
  18. ^ "Axiles Bionics, European Technology Award 2022 in the Robotics category". www.theeuropeanawards.eu (in Spanish). Retrieved 2024-10-06.

[[Category:Medical technology]] [[Category:Artificial intelligence]] [[Category:Robotics]] [[Category:Amputees]] [[Category:Prosthetics]] [[Category:WikiProject Belgium articles]] [[Category:Medical device manufacturers]] [[Category:Medical devices]] [[Category:Biomedical engineering]] [[Category:Prosthesis]] [[Category:Amputation]] [[Category:Engineering]]