CoMoveIT receives KU Leuven medal of honor in rehabilitation

Prof. Luc Sels, Rector of KU Leuven, acknowledged the company’s contributions to the field of assistive technology: "KU Leuven honors CoMoveIT for its groundbreaking wheelchair control system, developed in close collaboration with engineers, clinicians, researchers, and end users. Their participatory development model is unique: empowering users not only through the end product but also throughout the creation process."

CoMoveIT was born out of interdisciplinary research at KU Leuven. The development of its core product, CoMoveIT Smart. Long-time user Levi Rijsbrack, a key figure in product testing and public engagement, accepted the award on stage with his father Carl Rijsbrack and the company’s co-founders Frederik Vervenne and Elegast Monbaliu. 

"We are deeply honored to receive this recognition from KU Leuven," said CEO Frederik Vervenne. "This medal affirms the journey we’ve taken – from academic research to an international mission of empowerment."

CoMoveIT Smart translates head and foot movements into intuitive control signals for electric wheelchairs. The system is tailored for people with neurological and muscular conditions such as cerebral palsy (ICP), multiple sclerosis (MS), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It continuously adapts to the individual’s motor profile, compensating for involuntary movements. 

You can watch a practical demonstration of CoMoveIT Smart in this video on REHACARE.com. 

Already in use across Europe, the system is gaining interest from rehabilitation centres, occupational therapists, and mobility solution providers worldwide. CoMoveIT has received several international awards, including: 

• EACD Technology & Innovation Award 

• Silver Henry van de Velde Award 

• Best Innovative Product at the UK Occupational Therapy Show 

Named by Bloovi as one of the 30 most innovative start-ups in Flanders, CoMoveIT is currently exploring partnerships in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. 

REHACARE.com; Source: CoMoveIT