Sefa and Robofit:
- RoboFit provides exoskeleton-assisted therapy for neurological rehabilitation.
- Since 2021, they have supported over 450 clients across four clinics across Australia.
- Sefa's investment is helping RoboFit expand and reach more clients on their waitlist.
For people living with spinal cord injuries, stroke, multiple sclerosis, acquired brain injuries and other neurological conditions, access to the right rehabilitation can make a life-changing difference.
RoboFit combines exoskeleton-assisted therapy with clinical expertise to support clients on their path to greater mobility and independence.
Co-founded by Maryanne Harris and her husband Dan Hillyer, RoboFit is bringing advanced neurological therapy to communities across Australia.
We sat down with Maryanne to hear more about their work and how Sefa’s support is helping them scale their impact.
Never say never
RoboFit’s story began after Maryanne’s husband, Dan sustained a spinal cord injury in 2010. Dan was told he would have little to no movement from the neck down and the advice was simply that he had to get used to his ‘new normal’.
Unwilling to accept that, Maryanne, who was studying exercise science, became curious about neuroplasticity – the brain's ability to create new pathways.
This led them to groundbreaking exoskeleton technology. For Dan, a "flicker in his left big toe" eventually allowed him to walk independently with a forearm support frame. This personal triumph sparked the concept for RoboFit to bring these innovations to Australia.
“We started exploring how technology could play a role in Dan's recovery journey and how it could help him build his independence” explains Maryanne. “That quality of life, independence and Dan's mentality of never say never were some of the fundamental pieces that have led us to where we are today”.
Combining technology and compassion
RoboFit provides a full clinic experience, blending advanced robotics with access to expert allied health professionals. Their person-centred approach focuses on “1% wins” – small, achievable steps positively impacting a client’s daily life and fostering autonomy.
The impact of this approach on their clients is truly life-changing. Take Neville, a stroke survivor, whose goal was to walk on the beach with his family. Working diligently, he not only achieved his dream but also swam and stood in the pool.
As Maryanne explains, "The work they do in the clinic is linked directly to goals they want to achieve outside of the clinic. Those regular 1% wins are what help them get there".
A client who travelled from a regional area to attend the clinic progressed from being wheelchair-dependent to taking independent steps without the exoskeleton. Another client transitioned from a manual wheelchair to crutches and is now relearning to run.
Through his own therapy, Dan was able to surprise Maryanne by dancing their first dance at their wedding.
Some clients have been able to stand to hug a loved one for the first time in years, or gain enough mobility to transfer independently, avoiding hospital admissions. “It's those moments that people have privately that have a massive impact”.
Sefa's role in scaling impact
Since launching in 2021, RoboFit has supported over 450 clients across four clinics. However, they faced significant waitlists across Australia. This is where Sefa’s investment became crucial.
“By taking on the capital from Sefa, it's allowing us to expand our team to meet more of the existing need in our existing clinics, but also to bring on more team members and open additional clinics where we can service unmet needs,” says Maryanne.
For example, a waitlist of more than 300 clients in Melbourne can now be addressed with a clinic opening in late 2025. RoboFit also plans for new clinics in Adelaide and Perth, and additional locations in existing states where waitlists are high.
Sefa's support has enabled RoboFit to invest in infrastructure and expand nationally. Maryanne reflected, “Every interaction that we had [with Sefa] made our message clearer. It gave us reassurance and the opportunity to look at where our impact is and where it will continue to grow”.
And having a partner that truly aligned with their mission made all the difference. “Being able to have open discussions with people who aligned over impact and shared values with us was really important.”
“Sefa also saw our vision and the value this can have for our existing clients, and for the larger group that we want to be able to serve”.
As RoboFit continues to grow, the focus remains on people, on real goals, steady progress and the small daily wins that change lives. Their work shows what is possible when cutting-edge health technology is paired with compassionate, person-centred care. With growth capital from partners like Sefa, they are not only expanding access to this life-changing rehabilitation, they are helping reshape what recovery can look like across Australia.
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Images: RobotFit
