#MadeInWollongong
Business Leader Series
Maryanne Harris and Daniel Hillyer, Co-Founders at Robofit
Medial science and research
"There is a real opportunity for Wollongong to think about what an accessible future could look like for the city."
Maryanne Harris and Daniel Hillyer, Co-Founders at Robofit
Can you tell us about Robofit?
Maryanne: Robofit is a neuro-controlled exoskeleton clinic. We use exoskeleton technology in physiotherapy and exercise physiology for people with spinal cord injuries, strokes, brain injuries, and other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.
We work with clients through our clinics, training allied health professionals, and collaborating on research around neuroplasticity and emerging tech.
Daniel: We’ve helped over 450 clients across four clinics: Wollongong, Mascot, Parramatta, Shailer Park in Queensland and we’re expanding into Melbourne with 248 people on the waitlist. Adelaide, WA, and even New Zealand are on the cards too.
What inspired you to start Robofit?
Daniel: I had a spinal cord injury in 2010 after falling four and a half metres when a balcony railing gave way. I had a burst fracture at C4–5 and spent 11 months in hospital with no movement from the neck down. I started noticing flickers in my left big toe. I was told it was just a spasm, but I believed it was movement and kept focusing on it.
Maryanne: At the time I was studying exercise science at UOW, and I started learning about neuroplasticity and that really piqued my interest. We explored technologies globally in America, Europe, Israel, and landed on a partnership with Cyberdyne in Japan.
Daniel: The device is a lower limb exoskeleton that works with the wearer, not just for them to help them sit, stand and walk. It uses electrodes on the skin to pick up bioelectrical signals, allowing the user to drive the device themselves. It was pretty daunting to use it at first, it was the only neuro-controlled exoskeleton I’d ever seen, but felt surprisingly normal to walk in it after a few sessions.
Why Wollongong?
Maryanne: We launched Robofit in Wollongong because we live here, and we found there was often underserviced need. Travel to Sydney was often required for treatment, so we wanted to bring high-quality services locally. Wollongong has been a great place to grow the business, being able to work in such a beautiful environment. It’s attractive for potential team members and clients who are looking to travel to access services. We find that many want to move here for the lifestyle.
What challenges have you faced?
Maryanne: We’ve found that one of the core challenges for us is the lack of accessible infrastructure, especially accommodation. We think this presents a major opportunity in Wollongong. Last year, 26% of travellers had a disability, but less than 5% of beds were accessible. We think there is a great opportunity for Wollongong to think about the future of the city, whether that's being able to market itself as an accessible city.
Daniel: Many clients actually travel from interstate or overseas, and current accommodation options often aren’t truly accessible. We’ve started conversations with local councils and the Mayor on what Robofit purpose-built accommodation could look like.
Tell us about Stanley the dog.
Daniel: Stanley is our mascot. He’s not a trained therapy dog, but he helps clients feel comfortable and engage in sessions. Some stroke clients use him for hand therapy, like throwing balls or treats. Pet therapy is powerful and Stanley will do anything for a biscuit!
What are you most proud of?
Daniel: We’ve come so far since being 23-year-olds in Japan trailing the device. We’ve opened four clinics, helped over 400 people, and have a roadmap for more. Seeing clients graduate from using the device and achieve milestones like walking or hugging a loved one for the first time is incredibly rewarding.
Maryanne: Our team lives by the motto “never say never”. Our journey started with Dan’s story, and now we have a passionate team making a real impact. The ability to bring amazing, passionate team members together who believe in our mission has far exceeded what we originally thought when we opened.
Learn more
Maryanne Harris and Daniel Hillyer, Co-Founders at Robofit
Can you tell us about Robofit?
Maryanne: Robofit is a neuro-controlled exoskeleton clinic. We use exoskeleton technology in physiotherapy and exercise physiology for people with spinal cord injuries, strokes, brain injuries, and other neurological or musculoskeletal conditions.
We work with clients through our clinics, training allied health professionals, and collaborating on research around neuroplasticity and emerging tech.
Daniel: We’ve helped over 450 clients across four clinics: Wollongong, Mascot, Parramatta, Shailer Park in Queensland and we’re expanding into Melbourne with 248 people on the waitlist. Adelaide, WA, and even New Zealand are on the cards too.
What inspired you to start Robofit?
Daniel: I had a spinal cord injury in 2010 after falling four and a half metres when a balcony railing gave way. I had a burst fracture at C4–5 and spent 11 months in hospital with no movement from the neck down. I started noticing flickers in my left big toe. I was told it was just a spasm, but I believed it was movement and kept focusing on it.
Maryanne: At the time I was studying exercise science at UOW, and I started learning about neuroplasticity and that really piqued my interest. We explored technologies globally in America, Europe, Israel, and landed on a partnership with Cyberdyne in Japan.
Daniel: The device is a lower limb exoskeleton that works with the wearer, not just for them to help them sit, stand and walk. It uses electrodes on the skin to pick up bioelectrical signals, allowing the user to drive the device themselves. It was pretty daunting to use it at first, it was the only neuro-controlled exoskeleton I’d ever seen, but felt surprisingly normal to walk in it after a few sessions.
Why Wollongong?
Maryanne: We launched Robofit in Wollongong because we live here, and we found there was often underserviced need. Travel to Sydney was often required for treatment, so we wanted to bring high-quality services locally. Wollongong has been a great place to grow the business, being able to work in such a beautiful environment. It’s attractive for potential team members and clients who are looking to travel to access services. We find that many want to move here for the lifestyle.
What challenges have you faced?
Maryanne: We’ve found that one of the core challenges for us is the lack of accessible infrastructure, especially accommodation. We think this presents a major opportunity in Wollongong. Last year, 26% of travellers had a disability, but less than 5% of beds were accessible. We think there is a great opportunity for Wollongong to think about the future of the city, whether that's being able to market itself as an accessible city.
Daniel: Many clients actually travel from interstate or overseas, and current accommodation options often aren’t truly accessible. We’ve started conversations with local councils and the Mayor on what Robofit purpose-built accommodation could look like.
Tell us about Stanley the dog.
Daniel: Stanley is our mascot. He’s not a trained therapy dog, but he helps clients feel comfortable and engage in sessions. Some stroke clients use him for hand therapy, like throwing balls or treats. Pet therapy is powerful and Stanley will do anything for a biscuit!
What are you most proud of?
Daniel: We’ve come so far since being 23-year-olds in Japan trailing the device. We’ve opened four clinics, helped over 400 people, and have a roadmap for more. Seeing clients graduate from using the device and achieve milestones like walking or hugging a loved one for the first time is incredibly rewarding.
Maryanne: Our team lives by the motto “never say never”. Our journey started with Dan’s story, and now we have a passionate team making a real impact. The ability to bring amazing, passionate team members together who believe in our mission has far exceeded what we originally thought when we opened.