Claire Lomas and ReWalk

Paraplegia is a loss in motor or sensory function of the lower half of the body. This condition leaves paraplegics paralyzed from the waist down. Imagine the challenges a person with such a disability faces every day. Daily activities that to most of us seem trivial, for them might not be so. Even though paraplegics have varying degrees of disability, most of them are dependent on a wheelchair as a means of transportation.

Rewalk, designed in Yokneam, Israel and marketed by Argo Medical Technologies is an ingenious exoskeleton which allows paraplegics to walk on their own feet again, although with support from the bionic walking assistance system.
In 2012, Claire Lomas, was the first person to use the ReWalk robotic suit to finish in 17 days, the London Marathon. ReWalk comes in two versions: ReWalk I intended for research and therapy, and Rewalk P, intended for personal use. Recently, in June 2014, the exoskeleton became the first and only suit approved for home and public use by the Food and Drug Administration(FDA). Disabled people can now take the bionic suit home and use it for daily activities helping them gain as much functionality and independence as possible. The suit is customized individually for each user allowing them to walk, stand or sit when they need to rest. People could climb and descend stairs or walk uneven terrain and access places otherwise too narrow, high or unsuitable for wheelchairs, like high shelves or areas and buildings without ramps. The benefits of using ReWalk also include increased exercise and improved social connections due to the ability to have eye-to-eye conversations while walking or just standing and it could even improve the user’s self-esteem because of the feeling of empowerment the users might experience.

Rewalk, controlled by on-board computers and motion sensors, mimics natural walking and enables users to initiate movement by detecting subtle clues about changes in the center of gravity. When the user’s upper body leans forward, the system senses the tilt and initiates the first step. The angular sensor detects the angle of the hip, knee
and ankle joints. Learning to walk this way, by repeatedly shifting the body can be tedious but with training and practice, can be accomplished. The skeleton is powered by batteries positioned in the backpack which are intended for all day use and can be recharged when the user doesn’t need the suit. The system is easily controlled by a wrist-attached remote which senses and enhances the user’s movements. Crutches are also included in the bionic suit for additional support and stability.

But there might be one problem with this amazing exoskeleton: its price. Many of the people who need it may not be able to afford the suit. In the future, there is hope that the technology could become available at a lower price.

For additional information visit the official ReWalk site and this YouTube video about Rewalk by clicking on the provided links.