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Robo-skeleton lets paralysed walk | Robo-skeleton lets paralysed walk |
(about 8 hours later) | |
A robotic suit is helping people paralysed from the waist down do what was previously considered impossible - stand, walk and climb stairs. | A robotic suit is helping people paralysed from the waist down do what was previously considered impossible - stand, walk and climb stairs. |
ReWalk users wear a backpack device and braces on their legs and select the activity they want from a remote control wrist band. | ReWalk users wear a backpack device and braces on their legs and select the activity they want from a remote control wrist band. |
Leaning forwards activates body sensors setting the robotic legs in motion. | Leaning forwards activates body sensors setting the robotic legs in motion. |
Users walk with crutches, controlling the suit through changes in centre of gravity and upper body movements. | Users walk with crutches, controlling the suit through changes in centre of gravity and upper body movements. |
The device effectively mimics the exoskeletion of a crab. | The device effectively mimics the exoskeletion of a crab. |
Former Israeli paratrooper Radi Kaiof has been paralysed for the last 20 years following an injury during his service in the Israeli military. | Former Israeli paratrooper Radi Kaiof has been paralysed for the last 20 years following an injury during his service in the Israeli military. |
He says the device has changed his life. | He says the device has changed his life. |
"I never dreamed I would walk again. After I was wounded, I forgot what it's like. Only when standing up can I feel how tall I really am and speak to people eye to eye, not from below." | "I never dreamed I would walk again. After I was wounded, I forgot what it's like. Only when standing up can I feel how tall I really am and speak to people eye to eye, not from below." |
Robo-suit | Robo-suit |
The device, which is now in clinical trials in Tel Aviv's Sheba Medical Centre, is the brainchild of engineer Amit Goffer, founder of Argo Medical Technologies, a small Israeli high-tech company. | The device, which is now in clinical trials in Tel Aviv's Sheba Medical Centre, is the brainchild of engineer Amit Goffer, founder of Argo Medical Technologies, a small Israeli high-tech company. |
It was Goffer's own paralysis that inspired him to look for an alternative to the wheelchair for mobility. | It was Goffer's own paralysis that inspired him to look for an alternative to the wheelchair for mobility. |
The company claims that by maintaining users upright on a daily basis, and exercising even paralysed limbs in the course of movement, the device can alleviate many of the health-related problems associated with long-term wheelchair use. | The company claims that by maintaining users upright on a daily basis, and exercising even paralysed limbs in the course of movement, the device can alleviate many of the health-related problems associated with long-term wheelchair use. |
Kate Parkin, director of physical and occupational therapy at NYU Medical Center in the US said the potential benefits to the user were two-fold. | Kate Parkin, director of physical and occupational therapy at NYU Medical Center in the US said the potential benefits to the user were two-fold. |
"Physically, the body works differently when upright. You can challenge different muscles and allow full expansion of the lungs. | "Physically, the body works differently when upright. You can challenge different muscles and allow full expansion of the lungs. |
"Psychologically, it lets people live at the upright level and make eye contact." | "Psychologically, it lets people live at the upright level and make eye contact." |
Dr Mark Bacon, an expert at the UK charity Spinal Research, said: "There are a number of devices about which stabilise the trunk and can help with gait. | Dr Mark Bacon, an expert at the UK charity Spinal Research, said: "There are a number of devices about which stabilise the trunk and can help with gait. |
"Often they are very bulky and are only used for rehabilitation in specialist centres." | "Often they are very bulky and are only used for rehabilitation in specialist centres." |
He said ReWalk might be a good option for some people. | He said ReWalk might be a good option for some people. |
"Sitting down in a wheelchair can be an issue for some people. Devices like this one might be appealing. However, it might not be any better than a wheelchair in terms of convenience. | "Sitting down in a wheelchair can be an issue for some people. Devices like this one might be appealing. However, it might not be any better than a wheelchair in terms of convenience. |
"And these devices are only suitable for people who still have good control over their hands and shoulders." | "And these devices are only suitable for people who still have good control over their hands and shoulders." |