Cionic, the bionic clothing company creating AI-based mobility aids, has closed its series A funding round with $12.5 million, with the funding to go toward accelerating the development and delivery of its mobility technology. 

The company’s Neural Sleeve, designed to support and aid mobility in patients with neurological conditions such as cerebral palsy and multiple sclerosis, received FDA approval earlier this year. 

“We are on the precipice of a global mobility crisis, as 20% of the world’s population is projected to have a movement disability by 2050,” said Jeremiah Robison, Cionic CEO. “It’s time to bring technological innovation to this growing problem … we are proud to be backed by a group of investors who recognize the need for better solutions and have joined us in our mission to redefine human mobility.” 

According to Cionic, the Neural Sleeve is the first design to combine movement analysis with a wearable device. The Sleeve uses electrical currents and AI to predict a wearer’s movements and support their muscles as they move, fitted with an array of sensors to measure how the body is positioned and predict intended movement, with data from these factors analyzed in real time to stimulate muscles optimally. 

To date, Cionic has raised $23 million to create its human mobility platform, with the Neural Sleeve the first of many anticipated to reach commercialization using this platform. Over time, the company hopes to extend its devices’ applications to a wider range of conditions and to create increasingly streamlined assistive technologies. 

This latest funding round was led by BlueRun Ventures, with participation from Caffeinated Capital, EPIC Ventures, JobsOhio Growth Capital Fund and LDV Capital.