Motorised Leg Supports Help Paraplegics Walk Again
Amit Goffer, a man who was paralysed in an accident in 1997, decided to spend his spare time trying to find a solution to a problem that we’re quite frankly surprised we haven’t seen elsewhere already. The ReWalk offers paraplegics the opportunity to stand and walk and consists of motorised leg supports, body sensors and a backpack containing a control box. Unfortunately it does require the use of your arms which means Goffer can’t benefit from the system, though he is confident that there are many other people that can. Users can control the device via a wrist-band, which instructs the legs to stand, sit, walk or climb while aligning the body in such a way as to balance it effectively. The product is currently being tested and is touted for commercial sale in 2010, costing around $20,000 which is around the price of a sophisticated wheelchair. We’d be surprised if the system isn’t refined somewhat by then though, but either way it seems like an excellent idea. As Goffer states, “It’s not just about health, it’s also about dignity”. - Paul Lester [AOL] robotics technology future
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Original post by nafiz