Vodafone on Tuesday said its network and Internet of Things (IoT) SIM will assist Ekso GT from Ekso Bionics for communications for diagnostics and improved access to patient data.

The focus that Ekso Bionics has on helping stroke and spinal cord injury patients to increase mobility is making a significant impact on the quality of life for its users.

The Ekso GT can provide adaptive amounts of power to either side of the patient’s body, helping to improve results for patients. The suit allows physical therapists to mobilise patients earlier, more frequently and with a greater number of high intensity steps.

Andrew Morawski, head of IoT for the Americas, at Vodafone Group, said that the investment in IoT is enabling medical devices to be connected anywhere in the world, which is directly affecting the patient care.

Thomas Looby, chief executive officer of Ekso Bionics, said: “With Vodafone IoT technology, we can monitor how our exoskeletons are performing in real time, providing therapists with data on how the patients’ rehabilitation is progressing.”

Ekso Bionics has simplified its manufacturing process by using the same Vodafone SIM for all suits globally as well as having a single worldwide partner delivering a managed service. Ekso Bionics’ Ekso GT is currently available in the United States, Mexico, Canada, South Africa, and in most European countries.