A very interesting technology to allow wheelchair-bound individuals the ability to get up and walk about, using sensors on upper body muscles to drive robotic legs.


Blurb from Argo Medical Technologies (argomedtec.com);

"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.

ReWalk™ restores wheelchair users' dignity, health, inclusion, and self-esteem."


Blurb from Medgadget.com user 'Israel21C';

"ReWalk comprises a light wearable brace support suit which integrates DC motors at the joint, rechargeable batteries, an array of sensors and a computer-based control system. It fits the body snugly to detect upper body movements, which are used to initiate and maintain the walking process. Wearers also use crutches for stability and safety.

ReWalk is undergoing clinical trials in Israel at the Rehabilitation Hospital at Chaim Sheba Medical Center - Tel Hashomer, with pilots planned for rehab centers in Holland and Italy. A US trial is scheduled to begin in November at the Moss Rehabilitation Center in Philadelphia, after which Argo will apply for FDA regulatory approval.

Argo's demo video features team member Radi Kioff, a 40-year-old Druze Israeli citizen who was shot in the back while serving in the Israel Defense Forces during the first Lebanon War. Ironically, the man who devised the system that allows Kioff to walk cannot benefit from his own invention. A quadriplegic, Amit Goffer has only partial use of his hands, but not enough to operate the ReWalk."