AI-Powered Rehab Bike ‘Raycle’ Set to Revolutionize Exercise for Seniors & Those with Mobility Issues
Seoul, South Korea – In a significant breakthrough for accessible healthcare, Unyakgeundap All Fit, a startup fostered by Dongguk University’s Campus Town project, is poised to launch ‘Raycle,’ a groundbreaking AI-powered rehabilitation exercise bike. This isn’t just another piece of fitness equipment; it’s a personalized, adaptive solution designed to make exercise safe and effective for individuals facing mobility challenges – a demographic often left behind by traditional fitness options. This is a developing story, and Archyde is following it closely.
From Personal Struggle to Innovative Solution
The story behind Raycle is deeply personal. CEO Kim Nam-joong, a 15-year veteran rehabilitation exercise trainer, experienced a herniated disc himself, sparking a desire to improve the accessibility of effective rehabilitation. “I realized there was a huge gap in the market,” Kim explains in an exclusive interview with IT Donga, “Healthy people have access to online fitness resources, but the elderly or those with musculoskeletal diseases often need hands-on guidance that’s simply unavailable.” The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted this need, forcing the closure of many rehabilitation centers and leaving vulnerable populations without crucial support.
How Raycle Works: AI Meets Rehabilitation
Raycle isn’t just a reclining bike. It’s a sophisticated system built around user safety and personalized effectiveness. Unlike standard exercise bikes requiring adjustments and learning curves, Raycle features a massage chair-like structure allowing users to simply sit, secure their feet, and begin. The bike automatically adjusts to the user’s range of motion, minimizing strain and maximizing benefit. But the real innovation lies in its AI-powered “Robot Assistant Trainer.”
This AI system utilizes over eight IoT sensors to analyze the user’s body condition in real-time. It then dynamically adjusts the exercise, correcting for asymmetry – a common issue that can lead to falls and injuries – and recommending movements tailored to individual needs. The system even monitors for signs of distress, like changes in facial color, ensuring a safe and comfortable workout. This level of personalization is a game-changer in the rehabilitation space.
Addressing Asymmetry & Validated Results
One of Raycle’s key differentiators is its ability to address asymmetric motor function. Many individuals experience imbalances in strength and range of motion between limbs. Raycle allows for independent adjustment of the left and right pedal resistance, providing a customized exercise experience that targets specific weaknesses and promotes balanced development.
Early results are promising. A pilot study conducted at International St. Mary’s Hospital in 2024 showed an average 8.05% decrease in lower limb strength asymmetry, demonstrating a tangible rehabilitation effect. A previous survey of 150 users at the Gwangju Lifelog Health Care Center yielded a satisfaction rating of 4.36 out of 5, with 97% expressing a desire to continue using the device.
Dongguk University’s Campus Town Project: Fueling Innovation
Unyakgeundap All Fit’s success is a testament to the power of university-led innovation ecosystems. The company has been a key participant in Dongguk University’s Seoul Campus Town project since 2022, receiving support and guidance that proved crucial in navigating the challenges of commercialization. Kim credits the project’s educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and networking events with providing the skills and knowledge needed to secure seed investment and prepare for launch. This highlights the growing trend of universities acting as incubators for groundbreaking startups.
Looking Ahead: Accessibility & the Future of Rehabilitation
Unyakgeundap All Fit is currently finalizing the commercial version of Raycle, with a planned launch in the first half of 2025. The company envisions a future where Raycle is readily available in rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and even homes, empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being. Their logo, symbolizing a ladder for growth and a rainbow for diversity, perfectly encapsulates their mission: to create a more inclusive and accessible world of exercise for everyone. As the population ages and the demand for accessible healthcare solutions grows, Raycle is poised to become a vital tool in promoting healthy, active lifestyles for years to come.
Stay tuned to Archyde for further updates on Raycle’s launch and its impact on the rehabilitation landscape.
