AI-Driven Smart Knee Sleeve Shows Promise in Preventing ACL Injuries Through Micro-Airbag Technology

Hippos Exoskeleton has developed an AI-driven ultra-light smart knee sleeve that deploys a micro-airbag to stabilize the knee in under 50 milliseconds. Recent testing at Cleveland Clinic's BioRobotics Center demonstrated the sleeve's ability to significantly reduce forces that cause ligament rupture, with valgus rotation reduced by approximately 11%, anterior tibial translation reduced by about 9%, and internal rotation reduced by roughly 21%. The technology represents a potential breakthrough in orthopedic injury prevention, particularly for ACL tears that can end athletic careers and impact military readiness.

The system combines three proprietary technologies in a single 200-gram garment: an on-device AI biomechanical engine analyzing joint angles and torque hundreds of times per second, an ultra-fast micro-airbag actuator deploying in 30-50 milliseconds, and intelligent textiles embedding sensors and circuitry. Dr. Paul Saluan noted that if early results continue, this could mark the first real breakthrough in decreasing ACL injuries in a generation. The implications extend beyond professional sports to broader populations.

In the U.S. military alone, 800,000 service members suffer musculoskeletal injuries annually, costing more than $3.7 billion and affecting unit readiness. Retired III Armored Corps Surgeon Col Jason S. Wieman stated that the technology represents a groundbreaking leap in protecting military personnel, potentially saving joints and careers while keeping armed forces in the field. The company's vision emerged from cofounder Kylin Shaw's personal experience with an ACL injury that ended his basketball career, combined with inspiration from automotive airbag technology during a subsequent car accident.

Hippos is preparing large-scale trials with elite athletic programs and U.S. military units, positioning the knee sleeve as the beginning of a broader ecosystem of soft exoskeletons for hips, ankles, shoulders, and spine. The company aims to create intelligent fabrics that act as a second layer of protection for the human body, moving beyond traditional bulky braces toward apparel that resembles premium athletic wear until the moment protection is needed. More information about the company's technology and mission is available at https://www.hippos.life.