Bridget O'Neill took her first steps with the help of a Trexo brace on December 1, 2024, during an event at On the Ball in Ottawa. The moment was captured by Josh Marano for CTV News Ottawa.
A Canadian tech company, Trexo Robotics, is making a groundbreaking impact on children with mobility challenges. Working alongside On the Ball Pediatric, a care center in Ottawa, the company has created a robotic training device designed to help kids improve their walking abilities. This partnership has opened a door for children to take their first steps, something many never thought possible.
On Sunday, families gathered at On the Ball Pediatric in Ottawa’s west end to experience the Trexo Home, a unique robotic device that supports children with disabilities in walking. This event offered kids the opportunity to try out the technology, bringing hope to many families.
One of the highlights was seeing Bridget O'Neill, a young girl with cerebral palsy, walk on her own for the first time. Her father, Mike O'Neill, expressed his gratitude, saying, "She really enjoyed it. We feel very fortunate that such technology exists, and to see it in person is a great opportunity."
The Trexo Home device helps children by training them to walk more naturally while also building strength and endurance. The company, based in Mississauga, has made it their mission to bring this technology to as many children as possible across Canada.
Cory Schneider, a representative from Trexo Robotics, emphasized the importance of accessibility when it comes to new technologies for children with disabilities. He said, "It’s about getting this technology into the hands of as many families as possible."
Most of the children who attended the event were already clients of On the Ball Pediatric, where they receive ongoing care and support. Liane Norman, the clinic's owner and physiotherapist, explained the significance of combining such innovative technology with daily practice. "The most important work happens at home," she said. "The kids need to practice thousands of steps every day, and this technology makes that possible."
The emotional impact of seeing children take their first steps was evident throughout the event. Norman shared how moving it was to witness the joy and pride on the faces of both the children and their families. "It’s such a great tool for those kiddos," she said, holding back tears as she recalled some of the emotional moments.
Since launching, Trexo Robotics has helped children take over 100 million steps, and their devices are now being used at hospitals like the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) as well as in homes across Ottawa.
For Schneider, it’s not just about the technology—it’s about seeing the real-life impact on families. He reflected, "Coming to these events and seeing parents or grandparents watch their child or grandchild walk for the first time is by far the best part of my job."
This partnership between Trexo Robotics and On the Ball Pediatric is helping to change lives, one step at a time.
