Human Exoskeleton Suit Helps Paralyzed People Walk

The ReWalk is a semi robotic mobility suit that utilizes the body's physiological characteristics in the upright position to give patients who would normally be confined to a wheelchair a better quality of life. The system involves leveraging advanced motion sensors, sophisticated robotic control algorithms, on-board computers, real-time software, actuation motors, tailored rechargeable batteries and composite materials that all aid in the patients' increased mobility. The suit consists of the leg braces and a backpack that houses the batteries to run the apparatus. When the patient wants to engage in physical activity ranging anywhere from standing walking, or climbing stairs, the patient selects an activity using a remote control device and leans forward therefore initiating the sensors to begin performing the desired action. Although the patients must use crutches in the process, the ReWalk system alleviates many of the medical problems that are associated with long term wheelchair use. The excercise of the paralyzed limbs helps alleviate serious problems with the urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems, as well as osteoporosis, pressure sores and other various afflictions.

ReWalk was designed by engineer Amit Goffer, the founder of the Israeli company named Argo Medical Technologies Inc. This product has the potential to revolutionize disabilitating injuries that would normally leave a person in a wheelchair. Aside from the physical aspect, a wheelchair also has emotional drawbacks. With this new techonology, patients can experience the aspects of normal walking and standing with only a slight hum of machinery. With the freedom of walking rather than sitting, the emotional impact can be positive and it can give the patients a greater sense of self-esteem by granting the gift of mobility. I feel that this bionic exoskeleton is a great advancement in the field of mobility due to the vast number of benefits, ranging from a decrease in wheelchair related health issues to a greater sense of self worth. ReWalk is a new system that has the potential to be something great. "Something of a mix between the exoskeleton of a crustacean and the suit worn by comic hero Iron Man, ReWalk helps paraplegics -- people paralyzed below the waist -- to stand, walk and climb stairs."

URL:
http://www.argomedtec.com/products.asp

http://www.nhne.org/news/NewsArticlesArchive/tabid/400/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/4890/Default.aspx

http://medgadget.com/archives/2008/03/rewalk_exoskeleton.html