After years in development Israel-based Argo Medical Technologies finally unveiled their Robo-aid for paraplegics. The device has been titled Rewalk and is composed of an exoskeleton that allows its user to sustain movement and carry out tasks such as climbing stairs. Although it is being marketed as a device for injured soldiers the mainstream possibilities are quite interesting. Unfortunately it is unlikely such a device will be available for you in the near future, unless you fit into the following categories: soldier of sympathy, wealthy or willing to allow yourself to become the subject of experimental testing.
Even though the device was officially unveiled in the UK only recently at the Naidex product fair at the National Exhibition Centre, it was been available to see on the net since 2008:
There are many other variations of this technology and it is something that has been trying to get its feet off the ground (excuse the pun) for a long time. Personally I think the Japanese variation of this made by the rather comically named CYBERDYNE company. Their robot suit HAL (another comical ref here) offers the same leg mobility as the Rewalk, but has the same technology being implemented on the arms. Thus, giving its user increased lifting capacity also. The suit is also available for domestic renting, which makes it a little bit more accessible. The following video gives some context to the device:
If I was to chose one of these suits it may be apt to chose the more basic one that solves the direct problem at hand i.e. lack of leg mobility. However, as a society that always wants more and is hungry for technology I would advise towards HAL, although I can't say I'm not influenced by its close similarity to favourite film Casshern ;-)
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