Seven-Year-Old Elliot Takes Steps with Robotic Legs in Victoria

Seven-year-old Elliot Parent from Victoria took significant strides toward independence when he stepped into a robotic device designed by Trexo Robotics. For Elliot, who lives with cerebral palsy and quadriplegia, using a manual walker has often been a challenge. On this particular day, however, he was able to walk with the aid of advanced robotic legs, marking a notable moment in his journey.

Elliot’s experience took place at the Kids Physio Group Victoria, where he donned the robotic device that provided him the support needed to move freely. His mother, Genevieve, expressed her joy as she observed her son standing tall and moving around the room. “It’s pretty cool to see him sort of look empowered and standing up and being proud of himself,” she said.

Trexo Robotics, based in Mississauga, was established in 2011 by CEO Manmeet Maggu, who aimed to help his own nephew facing similar challenges. The robotic legs offer crucial postural stability, enabling children with disabilities to walk in a safe and comfortable manner. Since its inception, children across North America have collectively logged over 126 million steps using Trexo devices, which equates to circumnavigating the globe five times.

For Elliot, these steps are not just numbers. Genevieve explained that while her son can manage a walker, the effort often discourages him from practicing. She noted the difference the Trexo device makes: “This sort of forces him to do that walking and engage those steps versus doing it in a walker by himself.” While she understands that Elliot may never walk independently, seeing him stand proud is a significant milestone.

Events like the one in Victoria resonate deeply with both families and the Trexo team. Sales specialist Marc Robert has a personal connection to the technology; his son has utilized the device for six years. Reflecting on his own journey, he shared, “I cried my eyes out basically the first time I saw him walk. To be able to give that to other families was the whole reason I got with this in the first place.”

At events like this, it is common to witness emotional scenes. Robert mentioned that “you see 10 families in a day at events like this and everybody’s bawling their eyes out because their kid is walking for the first time. It’s incredibly rewarding.”

Despite its transformative potential, the Trexo device comes with a hefty price tag of approximately $35,000, a cost not covered by public health systems. This reality underscores the importance of events in locations like Victoria, where families can witness the possibilities that this technology offers.

For Genevieve and Elliot, this experience symbolized strength, movement, and pride. As she smiled at her son, she reiterated a phrase she often uses during horseback therapy: “Tall like a tree.” This time, however, Elliot was standing and taking steps on his own robotic legs, a moment of triumph that embodies the hope and potential of assistive technology.