Walking for paraplegics is now possible and this move should certainly be commended. ReWalk is a full-fledged exoskeleton that’s out there to do just that. All credit goes to the collaboration between Israel’s Argo Medical Technologies and the Massachusetts-based Solidworks for making the “Exoskeleton Suit”—one that is a fully practical, wearable, lightweight system. The biggest problem paraplegics face is the inability to do all those things that “normal” people do, and this suit caters to this core problem faced by all of them. The ability to walk, move and climb stairs once again in spite of being paralyzed is like a miracle. Tried and tested by paratrooper Radi Kaiof, 41, who injured himself while being in the Israeli military, and certainly thinks this invention is a boon. He cites that ReWalk gives a paraplegic the advantage to look straight into a person’s eyes while conversing instead of having to look up at them otherwise.
ReWalk is a simple system that allows crutches to provide balance to the body, and it consists of a motorized leg support, body sensors and a backpack, which contains a computerized control box and rechargeable batteries. It is astounding that the inventor will never use his own inventions due to his own disabilities, but yet he works so others can walk. Used for clinical trials at the moment, the product will be made available by 2010 for a price of $20,000.
Via ABC News
