Kathleen O’Donnell

Kathleen O’Donnell is a respected leader in the field of medical robotics and design. She combines her background in biomedical engineering and industrial design to create innovative health solutions that are focused on the user. Kathleen’s work gained significant attention during her time at the Wyss Institute at Harvard University, where she led a program that developed medical exosuits. These are soft, wearable robots designed to assist patients in recovering and improving their walking ability, particularly after a stroke. Instead of being bulky like traditional robots, these exosuits are built into lightweight garments, making them easier and more comfortable for patients to use. In 2018, Kathleen joined ReWalk Robotics, which was later renamed Lifeward. In this role, she helped bring the exosuit technology she developed to a wider audience. The company’s focus is on creating and selling medical devices that help people with physical limitations and disabilities. Her work has been crucial in getting this technology approved by the FDA and making it available in physical therapy clinics, helping countless patients regain mobility.