Published 16 September 2026 | Community

TL;DR: Almeria welcomes its first pediatric exoskeleton, ATLAS 2030, offering advanced rehabilitation for children with severe motor impairments like four-year-old Diego, who uses it to gain new mobility and confidence.

Diego’s First Steps with ATLAS 2030

Diego’s First Steps in Spiderman Suit

In a heartwarming moment at the Ego Sport Center, four-year-old Diego, dressed as Spiderman, stood up and walked with the help of the ATLAS 2030 pediatric exoskeleton. Surrounded by applause from onlookers, Diego took slow but confident steps toward small “villains” specially placed for him to reach. His bright smile and playful engagement showed the powerful impact a rehabilitation tool like this can have on a child facing severe motor challenges. For those watching, it was clear this was more than therapy—it was a chance for Diego to experience movement and joy in a new way.

Introducing ATLAS 2030 in Almeria

ATLAS 2030, a robotic exoskeleton designed to aid children with significant mobility difficulties, has been brought to Almeria for the first time. Developed by Marsi Bionics and donated by Fundación ONCE, the device is now available at the Centro de Rehabilitacion Infantil Arenas de Monsul in Almeria city. The exoskeleton fits the child’s body and uses eight motors distributed across the hips, knees, and ankles to assist movement. This technology allows children like Diego not just to stand but to walk forward and backward, supporting various therapeutic exercises.

Two Modes of Movement

ATLAS 2030 operates in two distinct modes to tailor therapy to each child’s needs. One mode is programmed by therapists where the device controls the gait parameters automatically. The other requires the child to actively initiate movement, encouraging muscle engagement and helping develop strength. This flexibility allows therapists to customize treatment goals and encourage greater participation from the young patients. The option to move backward as well as forward offers a unique opportunity to target different muscle groups and improve overall motor function.

Beyond Walking: A Therapeutic Tool

While the exoskeleton’s primary function is to help children stand and walk, its benefits extend far beyond mobility. The device supports improved posture, muscle strength, trunk control, and interaction with the environment during therapy sessions. Experts like Dr. Martinez Caballero emphasized that this technology cannot cure underlying conditions but plays a vital role in enhancing quality of life. The potential to prevent or delay complications such as muscle contractures, atrophy, and orthopedic deformities makes it an important addition to pediatric rehabilitation.

A Hope for Families

For families like Diego’s, access to ATLAS 2030 represents newfound hope. His mother, Esmeralda, highlights how having this advanced therapy available locally means they no longer need to travel to other provinces for cutting-edge treatment. The exoskeleton transforms rehabilitation sessions into motivating experiences where children can work on their physical abilities while engaging in playful activities. This blend of technology and therapy is opening new doors for children with severe motor impairments in Almeria and giving families reason to look ahead with optimism.

For updates on local community life, public services and local developments across the province, follow our latest posts in the Community section.