Robotic Overground Harness System

ZeroG is a robotic overground harness system mounted to an overhead track which includes a small motor to propel the trolley and harness. The system provides zero drag for the patient/participant enabling realistic motion without added confounders.

The harness system due to its unique fall arrest system (velocity or range of movement monitored at 1000Hz) allows a greater variety of movement tasks to be performed safely such as stair ascent/descent, sit to stands, complex terrain (i.e. obstacles) amongst others, meaning neuromechanical/motor control paradigms and theories can be tested beyond normal walking and running. During the performance of any task, ZeroG has the additional capacity to ensure consistent bodyweight support during dynamic movements - this is not available in most other harness systems.

ZeroG's final and unique feature is its integrated perturbation system (TRiP), which generates specifically designed and controlled perturbations during movement or balance tasks. TRiP provides the opportunity for extensive investigation of the neuromechanical/motor control of movement and the recovery from system disturbance (e.g. via "preflexes").

This is a key integral function of safe movement and understanding the fundamental underpinnings of motor control. Furthermore, understanding the deficits within this system are key for future novel movement health metric development, rehabilitation strategies, assistive devices and other clinically relevant interventions.

ZeroG is currently widely used as a rehabilitation tool in spinal injury (e.g. Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow), other adult movement deficits (e.g. Adelante Rehabilitation Centre, Netherlands) and in children (e.g. Pulderbos Rehabilitation Centre, Belgium). At SRES, ZeroG would enable closer tie in with clinical applications by providing collaboration with the Health, Wellbeing and Care Hub (HWCH), and enabling rehabilitation opportunities for their patients.

ZeroG would therefore enable SRES to expand our current research portfolio further into the clinical domains, but also provide a unique purpose for ZeroG to investigate the neuromechanical and motor control underpinnings of movement. ZeroG will be focussed on novel research within both basic sciences (e.g. validating novel movement health metrics) and applied clinical domains (e.g. development of movement as an intervention for mental health; validation of falls devices for older adults).

The integration of ZeroG into our state-of-the-art human biomechanics lab will provide a unique package of technology that enables innovative and world-leading research. More detailed specific activities and plans are outlined in section 4.

Across these activities, the addition of ZeroG will lead to establishing the University of Essex as a centre of excellence in human neuromechanics and motor control, attracting further external funding and research students, enable further development of existing and new collaborations to develop basic sciences understanding into clinical applications, provide a unique rehabilitative modality for clinical populations, and combine state-of-the-art technologies in new research areas to expand our understanding of human neuromechanics and motor control. Justification for sole source for the ZeroG Gait and Balance System of which Aretech, LLC is the sole manufacturer and Ectron Ltd is the sole distributor in the UK.

Only one responsible source and no other supplies or services will satisfy agency requirements. An awarded patent, a patent-pending software feature, and other proprietary features on the ZeroG Gait and Balance System prevents competition: