Bionic Exoskeleton That Lets Paraplegics Walk Unveiled

Berkeley Bionics has just unveiled a new device called Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System (eLEGS). Using computer sensors, this device consists of a bionic exoskeleton that guides leg movements giving paraplegics a chance to walk again. eLEGS uses arm strength to power a backpack computer to move battery-powered legs. However, eLEGS has a mind of its own according to UC Berkeley Professor and Berkeley Bionics founder Hamid Kazerooni. “It has its own control, [ . . . ] actuation, [ . . . ] [and] intelligence.”

This “revolutionary” technology will be introduced to rehabilitation clinics in the US in late summer 2011 and for personal use in 2013. The price should be similar to expensive wheel-chairs. After demonstrating the use of eLEGS, Amanda Boxtel exclaimed, “I'm living my dream. [ . . . ] It's liberation. It's independence. It's standing up!”

I have always been interested in prosthetic devices and their ability to restore movement in people who have lost this critical function. To see someone who is paralyzed regain the ability to stand and move on their own is amazing. To view this article and video: http://www.ktvu.com/news/25323483/detail.html