Dephy
"Beyond Nature"
Maynard, MA wearable robotics company making powered ankle exoskeletons for military, rehabilitation, and consumer use; Nike's robotics partner.
Dephy, Inc. is a wearable robotics company founded in 2016 and headquartered at 63 Great Road, Maynard, Massachusetts 01754. The company originated from MIT Media Lab research exploring how robotic prosthetic technologies developed for people with limb loss could benefit people without disabilities, ultimately spinning off as an independent venture to commercialize powered ankle-assist systems.
Dephy's core product line centers on the ExoBoot, a powered ankle exoskeleton designed initially for US military applications. The ExoBoot was the first autonomous (untethered) robotic ankle exoskeleton demonstrated to reduce the metabolic energy cost of walking below that of walking without an exoskeleton. The US Army Soldier Center partnered with Dephy to test and advance this technology for dismounted soldier augmentation.
Building on the ExoBoot platform, Dephy developed the Sidekick, a consumer-facing powered ankle-assist footwear system designed to reduce walking effort for everyday users, older adults, and people with mobility challenges. The Sidekick provides a gentle mechanical boost with each step, targeting the aging population and rehabilitation markets.
Dephy's highest-profile partnership is with Nike. Under the codename Project Amplify, Nike launched a motorized running shoe powered by Dephy's actuator technology, combining a carbon-fiber running shoe with a lightweight motorized ankle cuff. This collaboration, announced in late 2025, marked a significant mainstream entry point for robotic footwear technology.
The company has received SBIR funding from the US government for its defense and medical research programs. As of mid-2025, Dephy employed approximately 31 people across operations in North America and Europe. The company holds numerous patents related to actuator design, exoskeleton control, and powered footwear systems. Dephy's FlexSEA motor driver system supports position, velocity, and torque control modes for research and commercial integration.
Primary type & automation activities this supplier delivers:
ExoBoot
First untethered powered ankle exoskeleton proven to reduce metabolic cost of walking below unassisted baseline.
Sidekick
Consumer powered ankle-assist footwear that reduces walking effort for everyday users and older adults.
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Contact Dephy
WEBSITE
https://www.dephy.comPHONE
+1 (508) 258-1806HEADQUARTERS
United States
Company Facts
Founded
2016
Primary Role
Manufacturer
Company Size
-
Primary Region
North America
Annual Sales
-
Funding Stage
-
Funding Total
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