Although this article seems to be for Paraplegics, imagine what this device might be able to do for persons with other walking ailments?
October 2010
In San Francisco yesterday, Berkeley Bionics showed off its new eLEGS bionic exoskeleton, which willallow paraplegics to stand and walk without human assistance. The 45-pound robo-braces are made from steel and carbon fiber, and can operate for six hours on a single charge using lithium-ion battery packs, according to Engadget. The eLEGS are adjustable for users between 5'2" and 6'4" and weighing less than 220-pounds. Gesture-based sensors within the exoskeleton react to the user's movements and adapt to their intended trajectory, allowing them to reach up to a 2-MPH clip without, we imagine, being unwittingly jerked down the hall. Berkeley Bionics also claims the device offers unparalleled knee flexibility and operates without much noise.
The eLEGS will soon be in clinical trials and, if all goes well, a few of the devices will be distributed in July or August 2011 to select medical centers. (A simplified, commercial version, which could operate all day, might also be released in 2013.) But the eLEGS won't always just be used in clinical settings; with some initial instruction, paraplegics could operate the eLEGS at home or in public -- if they can afford the potential $100,00 price tag. Sure, that's a lot of money, but it's still slightly cheaper than other bionic legsand a little less 'RoboCop' in style. Check out a video of the eLEGS after the break.
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***********************************************************October 2010
In San Francisco yesterday, Berkeley Bionics showed off its new eLEGS bionic exoskeleton, which willallow paraplegics to stand and walk without human assistance. The 45-pound robo-braces are made from steel and carbon fiber, and can operate for six hours on a single charge using lithium-ion battery packs, according to Engadget. The eLEGS are adjustable for users between 5'2" and 6'4" and weighing less than 220-pounds. Gesture-based sensors within the exoskeleton react to the user's movements and adapt to their intended trajectory, allowing them to reach up to a 2-MPH clip without, we imagine, being unwittingly jerked down the hall. Berkeley Bionics also claims the device offers unparalleled knee flexibility and operates without much noise.
The eLEGS will soon be in clinical trials and, if all goes well, a few of the devices will be distributed in July or August 2011 to select medical centers. (A simplified, commercial version, which could operate all day, might also be released in 2013.) But the eLEGS won't always just be used in clinical settings; with some initial instruction, paraplegics could operate the eLEGS at home or in public -- if they can afford the potential $100,00 price tag. Sure, that's a lot of money, but it's still slightly cheaper than other bionic legsand a little less 'RoboCop' in style. Check out a video of the eLEGS after the break.
Read More
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