Celebrating a history of firsts 
Cionic
Cionic, founder and former Jawbone CTO Jeremiah Robison, sought a design partner to bring his vision of wearable, AI-driven mobility solutions to life. Working closely together, Fuseproject helped develop the Neural Sleeve, the first wearable that uses AI and electrical stimulation to improve mobility for people with neuromuscular conditions including MS, muscular dystrophy, stroke recovery, and cerebral palsy.
The Neural Sleeve applies personalized algorithms to analyze gait patterns and deliver functional electrical stimulation (FES), activating muscles at the right moment to improve walking, strength, and range of motion. This pioneering approach rewires the brain-muscle connection, facilitating a smoother and more natural movement experience.
Designing a device for all-day use posed unique challenges. The Neural Sleeve needed to be adaptable, comfortable, and non-stigmatizing. Fuseproject’s focus was on creating a lightweight, adjustable, and aesthetically professional design, ensuring the sleeve resembles athletic gear rather than a medical device. This thoughtful approach makes the Neural Sleeve empowering and accessible, enhancing independence and mobility for its users.
Through a thoughtful blend of technology and design, Cionic and Fuseproject have delivered a life-changing solution that redefines mobility for individuals with movement challenges, offering newfound freedom and an improved quality of life.
- Design Strategy
- Product Design
- CMF Design
- Photography
- Art Direction
94% Improved
- Around 14% of U.S. adults live with mobility impairments, and 94% of CIONIC Neural Sleeve users report improved ankle control and walking patterns.
3 Months
- CIONIC submitted the Neural Sleeve for FDA clearance in November 2021 and received approval just three months later, in February 2022.
25M
- By October 2023, CIONIC raised an additional $12 million in Series A extension funding, bringing its total Series A financing to $25 million.
Building on the success of the first-generation sleeve, Cionic recently launched the FDA-cleared Neural Sleeve 2, the world’s most advanced wearable neurotech for mobility. The Neural Sleeve 2 introduces AI-powered MultiStim technology, the only system cleared to simultaneously activate muscle movement while relaxing muscle spasms. This addresses a long-neglected barrier to mobility: spasticity, which affects 97% of stroke survivors with motor deficits and 84% of people with multiple sclerosis.
The second-generation design was developed with Fuseproject to enhance flexibility, sizing, and ease of use for all-day wear. Advanced algorithms continue to adapt to a user’s unique gait, adjusting to speed and terrain, while continuous stimulation improves walking and promotes neuroplasticity. Integrated motor and sensory support addresses major leg muscle groups, coordinating movement for sitting, standing, stair climbing, and transitions in between.
Combined with the Cionic app and guidance from mobility specialists, the Neural Sleeve 2 provides comprehensive, personalized support, helping users improve walking in the moment, train muscles over time, and gain greater independence. Clinical trials and real-world use show 94% of participants demonstrate improved gait, with home trials reporting 30% reduction in spasticity. The Neural Sleeve 2 represents the next frontier in wearable neurotechnology, enabling millions to move further, faster, and more confidently.
“When it came time to select a partner to collaborate on a design that complemented our breakthrough technology, I knew that partner had to be a fuseproject.”
Jeremiah Robison
Founder and CEO, CIONIC
News
Awards
- Time Magazine
- Category winner - Impact and Accessible Design - 2024
- Fast Company Innovation Awards
- Gold - Digital Interaction - 2023
- International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA)
- Silver - Design in Medical & Health category - 2023
- International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA)
- One of TIME’s Best Inventions of the year - 2023
- TIME’s Best Inventions
- Best Product Design - Health and Wellbeing - 2023
- Dezeen Awards
- Design Project of the Year - 2023
- Dezeen Awards
- Best Digital/Mobile Health Solutions category
- Best Digital/Mobile Health Solutions category
