eLEGS Exoskeleton Allows Paraplegics To Walk

Zothecula writes "At a press conference held recently in San Francisco, California's Berkeley Bionics unveiled its eLEGS exoskeleton. The computer-controlled device is designed to be worn by paraplegics, providing the power and support to get them out of their wheelchairs, into a standing posture, and walking – albeit with the aid of crutches. The two formerly wheelchair-bound 'test pilots' in attendance did indeed use eLEGS to walk across the stage, in a slow-but-steady gait similar to that of full-time crutch-users."

Comments

Who will be able to use these

[systemsplanet]

I've been in a wheelchair for 20+ years, from a spinal injury when I was 20. I wonder if only newly injured people will benefit from this technology. My bones are probably too brittle to support me even with an exoskeleton. Probably will need years of bone therapy before I could use this. But I'd certainly be willing to try, just so I could look down at people again. It would really freak people out, cause I'm 6" but they're used to looking down at me. Wonder if they'll have some dance and ass-kickin modes too.

Re:Who will be able to use these

[gstoddart]

Wonder if they'll have some dance and ass-kickin modes too.

On behalf of every quad I've ever known ... that's the funniest thing I've seen all week.

I've known some guys who would have been happy to have the high-school shuffle back. :-P