A Human Exoskeleton

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A Human Exoskeleton

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-

dyn/content/article/2008/05/02/AR2008050203382.html

(photo at link)

It's a concept borrowed from the spider and the horseshoe crab: an

exoskeleton, designed to assist disabled people with standing,

walking and climbing stairs.

ReWalk, by Argo Medical Technologies of Israel, consists of a

lightweight brace-support suit featuring motors at the joints,

rechargeable batteries and a computerized control system carried in a

backpack. http://argomedtec.com/about-company.asp

The user chooses the desired movement -- stand up, take a step, stand

still, sit down -- on a remote control. Sensors then determine the

angle of the user's chest and guide the legs along while allowing the

person to maintain his or her balance. The user typically uses

crutches while wearing the suit, which is intended to be worn under

clothing.

Now undergoing clinical trials, the device is expected to be

available to the public next year.