An IndieGoGo campaign for the world’s first bionic knee brace has raised nearly double its target amount.

Its creators are Chris Cowper-Smith (BSc’06, MSc’09) and Bob Garrish (BSc’05, MASc’12) of Spring Loaded Technology. They have already raised $140,000 USD with 18 days left in the campaign; their goal was $75,000 USD.

The campaign was launched to help the Dartmouth-based company reach its goals of profitability and expansion by the end of 2016.

A bionic boost

Their product is unique because it stores energy when the wearer bends its leg. This provides extra support when the leg is straightened.

The result, Cowper-Smith says, is “a product that could augment quadriceps’ strength and performance to help people get back on their feet sooner.”

Spring Loaded Technology has developed two versions of the brace: Upshot was designed for military personnel working in extreme conditions. The Levitation brace is for athletes and workers, and provides support during everyday activities.

A Dalhousie start

Cowper-Smith is president and CEO of the company, while Garrish serves as chief technology officer (CTO). The co-founders met in 2012 during an entrepreneurship course at Dalhousie. They founded Spring Loaded Technology in 2013.

Read more in “The world’s first bionic knee brace debuts on Indiegogo,” on geektime.com.

Photo credit: IndieGoGo