Former basketball player Kylin Shaw has come up with an innovative solution to prevent ACL and MCL tears with the development of a knee sleeve equipped with airbag technology. The sleeve is designed to measure stress on the knee joint and inflate within 30 milliseconds to protect it from potential injuries. This quick response time is crucial as ACL tears can occur in just 60 milliseconds.
Shaw’s inspiration for this invention came after a devastating knee injury that ended his basketball career. Determined to create a solution that could help athletes avoid similar fates, he dropped out of school to develop the knee sleeve with his startup, Hippos Exoskeleton. The company uses AI-driven sensors to detect risky movements and deploy airbags around the knee to prevent injuries, ultimately saving athletes from costly medical expenses.
Initially funded by Shaw and his co-founder Bhavy Metakar, Hippos has now raised a significant amount in pre-seed funding to further develop the product. The knee sleeve is already receiving positive feedback from athletes, including world skiing champion Alex Schlopy, who praised its lightweight design and preventative function.
Aside from elite athletes, Shaw sees potential for the knee sleeve to be used in various industries, such as construction and elderly care, for injury prevention. With millions of ACL injuries occurring globally each year, there is a clear need for innovative solutions like the one offered by Hippos.
Unlike traditional supportive devices or post-injury support, the Hippos knee sleeve stands out for its predictive and reactive technology. While other brands in the market focus on rehabilitation, Hippos aims to prioritize injury prevention through its cutting-edge airbag technology.
Investors in the company include notable figures in the tech and sports industries, signaling confidence in the potential impact of the product. With plans for a full product launch in the near future, Shaw and his team are dedicated to providing athletes and individuals with a reliable and effective tool for knee injury prevention.
