SRI International spins off wearable robotics biz Superflex

Research group SRI International said yesterday it is spinning off a wearable robotics focused biz Superflex, which aims to develop robotics to enhance the human musculoskeletal system.

The technology at the base of newly spun-off Superflex was originally developed for the “Warrior Web” program, a DARPA-funded effort to enhance soldier performance, reduce injury risk and increase the weight of equipment that soldiers can carry, the Menlo Park, Calif.-company said.

“SRI has always operated at the epicenter of global robotics innovation, while solving some of the toughest technological challenges, and the evolution of Superflex is a great demonstration of those capabilities. The spin-off of Superflex is a testament to SRI’s immensely talented and productive robotics team,” SRI Ventures prez Manish Kothari said in a prepared statement.

Seven-year SRI Robotics director Rich Mahoney will head Superflex, the company said.

“There are some applications that are medical-oriented, system technology-oriented, there are some applications to serve the aging population, which is really an international issue. There’s literally hundreds of millions of people that could benefit. The reason that we’re really careful about announcing (possible) products is because I don’t want to create an expectation from anyone that there’s a product for them that will emerge in the next few weeks,” Mahoney said, according to The Mercury News.

Superflex is staying hush-hush on what its 1st product will be, but said that it will announce its product focus by the end of the year.

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