All You Need to Know About ReWalk, the Robotic Exoskeleton

The Rewalk Exoskeleton is making dreams come true. Paraplegics will be able to stand, walk, even climb stairs. The robotic walking suit was designed by Dr. Amit Goffer, a disabled engineer in Israel. Users walk with the help of crutches, and movement is controlled by shifts in the center of gravity and upper-body movements.

One user said “I don’t have to look from the bottom up, now I am eye to eye level with everybody.” The Exoskeleton is a light, wearable brace support suit that features motors at the joints, rechargeable batteries, an array of sensors, and a computer-based control system. The user wears a backpack device and braces on their legs. Activities are selected by a remote control.

There are numerous health benefits to keeping users upright on a daily basis and exercising paralyzed limbs. ReWalk alleviates many of the health issues related to long term wheelchair use including, thinning bones, pressure sores, problems with urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems. Another anticipated benefit is in healthcare costs, in some cases, cutting annual expenses in half.

FDA approval is expected this year. Price has not been established yet, but it is predicted that the cost will be comparable to the yearly cost of a wheelchair.

Would you use the ReWalk Exoskleton?