earlyMotion GRS
Funded by the Gebert Rüf Foundation, a new in-bed leg press is being further developed and brought to market readiness.
Factsheet
- Schools involved School of Engineering and Computer Science
- Institute(s) Institute for Human Centered Engineering (HUCE)
- Funding organisation Others
- Duration (planned) 01.04.2025 - 31.10.2025
- Head of project Patrick von Raumer
- Project staff Simón Javier Gamero Schertenleib
- Partner Gebert Rüf Stiftung
- Keywords In-bed legpress, Spin-off, Early Rehabilitation
Situation
Extended bed rest often leads to muscle atrophy and reduced mobility, particularly in elderly or postoperative patients. Early mobilization accelerates recovery, preserves muscle strength, and helps reduce healthcare costs. Conventional methods require labor-intensive manual assistance, posing challenges for both patients and healthcare professionals. Our solution is a lightweight, portable leg press designed for in-bed use, allowing patients to exercise without leaving their bed. With its simple and innovative design, it supports bedridden individuals and eases the burden on caregivers. It is suitable for various clinical environments and empowers patients to maintain their mobility and independence—ultimately improving quality of life and easing pressure on the healthcare system. After promising results from studies using initial prototypes and in-depth work under the BFH Transversal Program, the project is now entering its next phase.
Course of action
The focus lies in developing an industrial prototype optimized for practical use. Three core aspects are being prioritized: The resistance must be individually adjustable to meet various needs and therapeutic goals. A digital system for recording and processing training data will be integrated to monitor progress and support personalized therapy plans. Additionally, planning for future serial production will begin in parallel. Alongside the technical development, the project team will receive start-up coaching to refine the business model and assess market potential. A further key element is addressing regulatory requirements, especially in view of future certification as a medical device.
