Maryanne Harris and Daniel Hillyer, a husband and wife duo, have spent 10 years on a mission to aid in finding a cure for paralysis. Their efforts have culminated in the creation of RoboFit – Australia’s first provider of a neuro-responsive exoskeleton for individuals with neurological conditions, as well as the establishment of the country’s initial robot-powered therapy centre.
We recently spoke to Maryanne about the Robofit journey so far.
What led to you starting RoboFit?
While I was studying a Bachelor of Exercise Science, my now husband Daniel had an unexpected accident with a balcony collapsing. This resulted in us both being told Daniel would have limited movement from his neck down as he came home.
For the both of us, we let our curious mind travel with us as we explored what options were available around the world to promote neuroplasticity.
This led us to meeting Cyberdyne in Japan and trailing their range of neuro-controlled exoskeletons. It was clear after our first trip to Japan they were the most advanced exoskeletons on the market, using data from the wearer to move with them, not for them like other devices on the market. After the first trip, Daniel saw great personal gains and we knew if it could help Dan, there was potential it would help others as well.
What challenges did you have to overcome at the beginning of RoboFit?
Starting a business naturally has many challenges. As we started with pioneering technology, it has been important to us from day one to be evidence-led with our approach, for example, using data to demonstrate how improvements can be achieved when combining wearable technology with therapy.
From working alongside our clients for close to two years now, we have been able to help them explore what is possible with improving their quality of life, and as a result, share the impact it has had on their lives. Once we opened, Dan had to wait to be able to get in for his sessions with the demand from clients.
Why is now the time for RoboFit to exist?
Advancements in technology and science are changing our understanding of neuroplasticity but also providing options to customers when they are looking for solutions to their problems. We have had clients travel interstate and now internationally to work with our team. They are driven to finding solutions that help them improve their quality of life to live their best lives possible.
What does success for RoboFit look like for you?
Success for RoboFit and our team is being able to shift the needle in how rehabilitation is approached in Australia with our partnership with Cyberdyne. If through our work and partnerships we can help improve our clients’ lives, that would be success. Where we look to and our North Star is advancing knowledge around neuroplasticity and understanding how this is linked to the journey our customers are on when pursuing improvements in their quality of life.
If you weren’t building your startup, what would you be doing?
I think we are exactly where we are meant to be. Both Daniel and I enjoy working with people who are magnificent at what they do and working on problems that help to improve lives.
What do you find most rewarding about your experience as a founder so far?
When Daniel and I began this journey after his accident, it was incredibly challenging. Seeing Daniel’s progress not just physically but the impact this journey has had on reclaiming his confidence has been humbling.
His dedication and seeing the impact RoboFit has had for not only him but our community of clients has been incredibly rewarding for us.
What is a piece of advice you wish you had been told before beginning your startup journey?
Just go for it. If you are creating something that can deliver an impact in someone’s life and they need it, you should just go for it.
It took quite a few years before you were able to bring the cutting edge technology of the RoboFit exoskeleton to Australia, how did you persevere through that time?
Daniel often says never say never and we have naturally adopted that as our company’s tagline. Nobody knows what is around the corner. When we started, we didn’t know that COVID-19 was going to change the world two months later.
I think that perseverance comes down to the belief that good things can come from hard work.
