Zeen (by Exokinetics) is an innovative, motor-free mobility device that enables users to safely sit, stand, and walk, with built-in fall protection. Pulse 2.0 interview Exokinetics CEO Rick Sherak to learn more.
Rick Sherak’s Background
Could you share more about your background? Sherak said:
“After serving as an Air Force officer, I spent more than 25 years in the medical diagnostic industry as a commercial and product development executive. I’ve worked with both Fortune 100 organizations and early-stage companies, building several successful new commercial divisions and driving significant sales growth along the way. In recent years, I’ve helped innovative diagnostic and life science companies design, develop, and bring novel medical technologies to market, improving patient outcomes and enhancing lives. Leveraging my broad leadership background and deep experience in the medical field, I became CEO of Exokinetics in March 2024 to lead the company into its next phase of market expansion and revenue growth.”
Formation Of The Company
How did the idea for the company first come together? Sherak shared:
“The idea for the Zeen came from Hall-of-Fame Inventor Garrett Brown, who invented the Oscar-winning Steadicam movie camera mount that revolutionized the way films are shot. Fueled by the desire to help people with mobility and lifestyle challenges, Brown and his inventing partners created the equally startling Zeen. A first of its kind, the lightweight, folding Zeen uses proprietary lifting and caster technology to help get users up and about and moving with confidence.”
“I was with my 97-year-old dad for weeks as he declined,’ said Brown. ‘And I watched his cohort struggling with walkers and wheelchairs; the former, slow and in-the-way and not cool, the latter, a one-way ticket to not walking. There has to be something better, something that doesn’t yet exist, that could help people keep doing what they love.’”
“Brown began recruiting his dream-team to chase the basic idea: weightless transition between seated height and stand-up saddle; safe ambulating and coasting; sociable relaxing in ‘barstool mode,’ and hands-free access for lifestyle tasks. The Zeen supports a novel hybrid of riding and walking to encourage one’s normal gait. Users can stroll, stride, coast and gracefully sit down and rise back up in a functionally weightless condition—without having to exit the device. Garrett’s partners contributed a host of exclusive features including ‘Dual-State’ casters and swiveling saddles with retracting seat-belts, plus Brown’s powerful lifting tech, evolved from his camera-lifting arms, that can ‘float’ people weighing up to 325 lbs.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory while working at the company so far? Sherak reflected:
“One of my favorite memories happened shortly after I joined the company.”
“We’re fortunate that many prospective customers from the tri-state area visit our headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania, to try the Zeen in person. I’ve had the privilege of meeting so many remarkable individuals facing mobility challenges due to chronic illness, injury, or age-related conditions. But one visit in particular has stayed with me.”
“Twin nine-year-old brothers who had lived with cerebral palsy since birth came to see us with their father and older brother after discovering the Zeen on social media. Up to that point, the boys relied on small walker devices, supporting much of their body weight through their arms and shoulders while taking short, difficult steps with weakened legs. The walkers were unstable and prone to tipping, which made falls a constant concern.”
“When the boys settled into their Zeens and fastened the seatbelts, something remarkable happened. They began walking using only their legs. To their family’s astonishment, each boy lifted his hands into the air while moving forward and shouted, ‘Look at me, Daddy! I can walk with my hands free for the first time ever!’”
“Their father was overcome with emotion as he watched his sons experience a new level of freedom and independence. After about 30 minutes of practice, the boys began pushing harder through their legs, picking up speed. Before our eyes, they were truly running for the first time in their young lives, filled with pure joy and excitement.”
“There wasn’t a dry eye in the office. Watching those boys discover a new sense of possibility so vividly captured why we do what we do. That day, the Zeen wasn’t just a device, it was a doorway to freedom.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and key features? Sherak explained:
“Our core product is the Zeen, a patented, multi-purpose mobility device designed to empower individuals to stand, walk, and rest comfortably, without the fear of falling.”
“The Zeen bridges the gap between traditional walkers and wheelchairs. Unlike a wheelchair, which provides mobility only at seated height and relies primarily on upper body strength, the Zeen enables upright, weight-bearing movement for individuals who still have some use of their legs but need strength, endurance, or balance support.”
“Using innovative, motor-free technology, the Zeen can lift up to 75% of a person’s body weight, smoothly raising them from a seated position to standing. Once upright, the user is fully supported through a large seat and front prow, eliminating the need to rely on upper body strength for stability. From this supported standing position, the user can begin walking safely and confidently, often hands-free.”
“A unique and transformative feature of the Zeen is its ability to allow users to ‘rest at standing height.’ At any point, they can comfortably sit while remaining at eye level with family, friends, or colleagues. This preserves social engagement and independence in a way traditional mobility devices cannot.”
“With its patented design and unmatched versatility, the Zeen delivers safety from falls, promotes a healthier and more active lifestyle, and restores the freedom and joy of movement.”
Challenges Faced
Have you faced any recent challenges in your sector? Sherak acknowledged:
“One of the biggest challenges we face in our sector is reimbursement. Although the Zeen is a registered FDA medical device, it is not currently covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Because of its unique design and the fact that it doesn’t fit neatly into existing mobility categories, there is no established reimbursement code. As a result, the Zeen is typically an out-of-pocket investment, with a base price starting at $4,840 plus optional features.”
“Rather than allowing that barrier to limit access, we’ve focused on expanding creative pathways to ownership. Many of our customers successfully use crowdfunding platforms or apply for grants through nonprofit organizations that support mobility and independence. We also offer financing options directly through our website, and some customers work with their personal banking institutions to structure manageable monthly payments.”
“In addition, we’ve made important progress within the military and veteran community. The Zeen is now available through the VA Federal Supply Schedule, which has significantly improved access for veterans and active-duty service members.”
“While reimbursement remains an industry-wide challenge for innovative medical technologies, we continue working to expand access, advocate for coverage pathways, and ensure that cost does not stand in the way of mobility and independence.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launch? Sherak noted:
“The Zeen was commercially launched in March 2022, following an intensive five-and-a-half-year design and development process led by our in-house engineering team. From early concept through production-ready model, the focus was on creating a safe, reliable, and truly differentiated mobility solution.”
“What’s especially meaningful is that most of the original engineers are still with the company today. That continuity has allowed us to continuously refine and improve the Zeen based on real-world use and direct customer feedback.”
“Since launch, we’ve enhanced multiple components, including the seat belt system, backrest, saddle, wheel configurations, and footrest. These refinements have improved comfort, durability, adjustability, and overall user experience. We’ve also developed practical accessories to better serve the diverse needs of our growing customer base.”
“Importantly, we actively encourage feedback from our more than 2,000 customers, because they use the Zeen every day and provide invaluable insights. Since we manufacture the Zeen in our own facility just across the parking lot from our headquarters, we have the ability to quickly implement improvements and incorporate design updates without long delays.”
“The evolution of our technology has been driven by a simple philosophy: continuous innovation grounded in real user experience.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Sherak concluded:
July 2016 – Company founded as a Delaware corporation by Garrett Brown and Chris Fawcett.
2016–2021 – Designed and refined 12 Zeen prototypes through iterative engineering, user testing, and product improvements. While COVID postponed the commercial launch, it allowed additional refinement of the Generation 1 product.
June 2019 – Secured factory headquarters in West Chester, Pennsylvania, establishing integrated engineering and manufacturing operations.
March 2022 – Official commercial launch of the Zeen, initially focusing on the Los Angeles market due to favorable weather and strong target demographics.
January 2023 — National media recognition – Significant awareness surge following feature coverage on CBS Saturday Morning, highlighting Garrett Brown’s career and inventions.
2023 – Named one of Time’s Best Inventions of the Year.
January 2025 – Expanded manufacturing, bringing total operational footprint to 11,500 square feet to support continued growth.
July 2025 — VA Federal Supply Schedule Contract Awarded – Expanded access to U.S. veterans and active-duty service members.
