Humotech :: High-Performance Robotic Emulation Platforms Prosthetics, Orthotics & Exoskeletons

Humotech (Human Motion Technologies LLC) is a Pittsburgh-based wearable robotics company founded in 2015 as a spin-out from Carnegie Mellon University. The company specializes in high-performance robotic emulation platforms that accelerate research, development, and clinical evaluation of prosthetics, orthotics, exoskeletons, and other wearable mobility devices. Humotech’s technology allows researchers and developers to rapidly test and iterate on assistive device concepts with real human users, reducing development time, cost, and risk before committing to physical prototyping.

Humotech’s flagship platform is the Caplex® System, a modular, programmable wearable robotics emulation platform. It uses powerful off-board actuators connected via Bowden cables to lightweight end-effectors worn by the user. This “emulation paradigm” enables precise, real-time control of forces and torques at the ankle, knee, hip, or other joints, allowing researchers to emulate a wide variety of devices (passive or powered) in a single system.

Key robot-based products include:

• Caplex® Emulators: Highly configurable systems (including multi-DOF setups) for ankle, knee, hip, and full lower-limb assistance. These are used extensively in academic and industrial R&D for gait studies, device optimization, and biomechanical research.
• Clinical Caplex® System: A version designed for clinical settings to help clinicians evaluate and select the best prosthetic feet or orthotic solutions for individual patients.
• Specialized End-Effectors: Including the PRO-004 Pylon Emulator, EXO-010 Ankle Exoskeleton, and child-sized versions for broader population testing.
• Software & Control Tools: Intuitive interfaces for real-time control, data collection, and integration with motion capture systems.

Humotech’s platforms have been adopted by leading institutions such as Stanford, Georgia Tech, University of Utah, and others. The company emphasizes strong customer support, customization, and collaboration. Their systems help bridge the gap between theoretical research and real-world wearable devices that improve human mobility.