Practical Exoskeleton Developed to Enable Disabled (Video)
via www.youtube.com
This is the first exoskeleton system that we've seen that appears to realize the goal of giving wheel chair users unlimited mobility.
Of course we've seen other exoskeleton systems over the years. Some utilized bulky pneumatic actuators and required frequent access to pumps and electronics. Even the Japanese exoskeleton systems developed by Cyberdyne at Tsukuba appear to be focused on commercial applications of the technology. Their demonstrations center around workers being able to lift more, or work for long periods of time doing back-breaking agricultural tasks.
In contrast, the ReWalk exoskeleton system developed by Argo Medical Technologies in Israel, was specifically designed for the wheelchair bound. According to the Argo website:
"rgo brings mobility face-to-face with society. ReWalk™, the first commercially viable upright walking assistance tool, enables wheelchair users with lower-limb disabilities to stand, walk, and even climb stairs. For potentially millions of wheelchair users, ReWalk™ delivers a new perspective – on the world, on themselves, and on life."
That's not to say that other exoskeleton systems couldn't perform similar functions, or be adapted to do them. At the same time, the ReWalk system appears to be the first practical implementation that is 100% focused on the needs of the wheelchair bound.
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