If I had $150,000 and could fly to New Zealand, I would definitely get one of these for Ronnie! (See the video after the text).
The news release from Engadget.com states:
"New Zealand isn't exactly known for being a hotbed of tech innovation, but this set of bionic legs might just realign that perception a little bit. The product of seven years of development work, the Rex exoskeleton is capable of supporting the full weight of a person -- making it suitable for paraplegics -- and moving him or her around in a familiar bipedal fashion. It's operated using a joystick and control pad and is simple enough for handicapped users to self-transfer in and out of. The best news, perhaps, is that it's about to go on sale in its home country this year, with an international launch following in 2011. The worst news? Probably the $150,000 (US) initial asking price, but then we'd hardly say we're qualified to judge the value of being able to walk again."
Wow! Maybe in 10 years they'll be a fraction of the price and insurance will take care of most of it.
ReplyDeleteWell, we can hope, can't we? LOL
Hi from a lurker (lurcher):
ReplyDeleteAm I the only one who gets memories of Wallace & Gromit and The Wrong Trousers? :-)
I wonder if they'd work for people with CP too? Not that I can afford it but who knows maybe one day!
ReplyDelete