A startup called Hippos, co-founded by Kylin Shaw and Bhavy Metakar, has developed a groundbreaking AI-powered knee airbag to prevent serious knee injuries like ACL and MCL tears. The device, described as a “knee sleeve,” uses sensors to detect stress and inflates protective airbags around the knee in just 30 milliseconds—half the time it takes for ligament injuries to occur.
Shaw’s personal experience inspired the idea for this device. A promising basketball career was cut short at age 17 when a knee injury derailed his NCAA ambitions. Motivated by his struggles, Shaw shifted his focus toward creating a solution to protect others from similar fates.
Unlike most knee injury solutions, which focus on post-injury rehabilitation, Hippos’ knee airbag is proactive, offering a unique level of protection. Backed by a $642,000 pre-seed round from Possible Ventures and Silicon Roundabout Ventures, the startup has conducted promising trials with athletes, including U.K. football players and world skiing champion Alex Schlopy. The device has already secured six figures in pre-orders ahead of its anticipated launch in three months.
The product will retail for $129, but the startup’s subscription-based monetization model has drawn mixed reactions. Customers will pay $29 to $99 per month for features like AI insights and replacement air canisters. While the concept and technology have sparked excitement among investors and athletes, the ongoing subscription cost has raised questions about affordability and accessibility.
If successful, Hippos’ knee airbag could revolutionize injury prevention for athletes, offering a cost-effective alternative to expensive surgeries and rehabilitation while allowing users to stay active and safe.