Reid Hintz, 7, using an exoskeleton made by University of Calgary engineering students

By Teagan Rasche

‘I got this’: Local boy with rare condition gaining independence with exoskeleton

Jun 15, 2021 | 4:39 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Reid Hintz wants to be a zookeeper when he grows up and he does Grade 2 math when he’s only in Grade 1.

Reid sounds like a typical young boy, but the seven-year-old lives with a unique condition.

“Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita,” Reid says.

Also known as AMC, it’s a rare condition that affects the joints. Reid was born in Medicine Hat cross-legged and with inverted wrists.

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Reid Hintz

“For Reid, he’s considered severe in Canada because he’s affected completely on all four limbs,” his mom Rebecca Hintz says.

Reid has had nine surgeries and needs a wheelchair to get around. But that doesn’t stop him from sharing his infectious smile and positivity.

And there’s one motto he lives by.

“I got this,” Reid says.

A few hours away, a group of University of Calgary engineering students found out about Reid through the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

He was a perfect candidate for their capstone project.

“We wanted to apply ourselves to help children in need or even just people in general, elderly as well,” says Jarod Domingo, one of the students. “Apply our engineering passion to help kids find more independence in their lives.”

Reid Hintz and University of Calgary engineering students

The engineers created a device that gives Reid more independence when it comes to eating and playing with his toys.

“The method that was implemented is we attach a sensor to his bicep and the bicep picks up the signal every time he tries to activate it,” another engineering student, Levin Joshua, explains.

The exoskeleton has allowed Reid to feed himself, throw and draw. It will also give him a better quality of life.

Reid Hintz

“This exoskeleton could allow him to sit up at the table and play cards with the rest of the family without having to be helped all the time,” Rebecca says.

“In a team,” Reid adds.

Although the capstone project is now over, the engineers continue to work with Reid. Their goal is to make the exoskeleton better and help more kids in the future.