Powered exoskeleton starts clinical trials
What would be considered pure science fiction material not so long ago, is now becoming reality. The device called ReWalk helps people paralyzed below the waist to stand, walk and climb stairs.
One of first paraplegics to try the exoskeleton is former Israeli paratrooper Radi Kaiof whose life now changed dramatically, as he can once again climb stairs and face people face to face… A new powered exoskeleton suit passed internal tests and has already enabled several disabled to walk again. Suit is making strong converts among those who have worn it.
Powered Exoskeleton that enables the disabled to walk again is the brainchild of engineer Amit Goffer, founder of Argo Medical Technologies, a small Israeli high-tech company. Ironically Amit himself was paralyzed in an accident in 1997.
The suit consists of motorized leg supports, packager of body sensors and a rechargable battery located in a backpack. Currently suite is only useful for disabled that have full function of their arms, as user needs to control the unit via remote control wristband, which contains various settings like: sit, stand, walk, or climb.
Once the user selects the appropriate action, they lean forward to activate the body sensors. While exoskeleton is operating the motors emit mechanic sounds, which might be area for further improvements. In the current version crutches must be used to assist with balance; a more advanced model is eventually expected to dispense with this requirement.
While other agencies such as the US military and Japan’s University of Tsukuba are also developing powered exoskeletons, none besides the ReWalk will be operable by disabled people.
Clinical trials are now underway in Israel’s Sheba Medical Center, and soon trials at the Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute in Pennsylvania will also commence.
The suit is expected to be commercially available in 2010, for around $20,000 / 15.000€, about the price of the most sophisticated electric wheelchair now available.
Read more at Reuters
sherril lee smith-swcharf Said,
November 3, 2008 @ 6:25 pm
I am interested in purchasing an exoskeleton.
erika torres Said,
November 29, 2008 @ 5:36 pm
hola, muy buenos dias me gustaria mas infomacion sobre el exoskeletons, me parece una idea meravilosa, solo espero la persona por la cual estoy buscando esta informacion puda usarla ya que despues del accidente tiene tambien un poco de dificultad en las manos quizas no tanta pero no se hasta que punto eso le impida en el futura usar esta tecnologia maravillosa. por favor les pido me envien un correo o numero telefonico donde pueda comunicarme con ustedes. exitos en la investigacion
صقر الواÙÙŠ Said,
December 16, 2008 @ 6:48 pm
ارجو من يقدر على تقديم خدمة الى اني بØاجة الى كرسي كهربائي Ù†Øنو الÙقراء العراقين اني شاب عمري29 سنة لايوجد اي راتب او مساعدة اللة غني الØميد
Darek Said,
January 7, 2009 @ 3:45 pm
Jestem po wypadku 15 lat i wszystkie te lata poświęcilm na walkę ze swoim kalectwem .Świetnie pływam,startuję w maratonach jestem osobom wyjątkowo sprawną .Ostatnio trenowałem w aparacie typu ARGO niestety ze względu na spastycznośćnie spełnił on swojej roli.Szukam kontaktu(firmy) która umożliwi mi zakup Egzoszkieletu.Wiążę z nim ogromne nadzieje aby znów chodzić.
Linda Knauer Said,
January 28, 2009 @ 6:27 am
My 27-year old son is a survivor of a traumatic brain injury. He can walk with a cane and some assistance. However, his right hand and arm are very weak. Could he use this to walk, using his very powerful left side? This is the most exciting thing I have seen since his injury! I would love to learn more about it. Our dear friend in Israel has forwarded this information to us. This looks as if it will be amazing for rehabilitation of so many people!
M Richards Said,
April 9, 2009 @ 9:27 am
I like your site but info seems a bit thugh to get to after seeing one of your displayed pics. I’ve got to have one of those suits and more info.
Honda Reveals Its Own Robotic Leg Said,
June 4, 2009 @ 11:25 pm
[...] This suit will be first tested by Honda at the Honda car assembly plant in Saitama. It will help the workers in reducing the work stress and will lower the number of injuries. Also there is some Japanese firm that is coming up such metal suits but not very closer to reality. Cyberdyne Corp. has already come up with one such device with both legs and is now planning for both arms and legs. This suit will help users not get stressed and will increase their strength in multiples. Similar prosthetic device was announced recently by ReWalk. [...]