Monday, July 21, 2008

Video of ReWalk Exoskeleton System

Filed under: Neurology , Rehab

Israel21C has a video of the ReWalk exoskeleton system, from Argo Medical Technologies, for people with paralyzed legs. We profiled the system back in March, and we thought this video would be interesting to see the device in action:

From Israel21C:

ReWalk comprises a light wearable brace support suit which integrates DC motors at the joint, rechargeable batteries, an array of sensors and a computer-based control system. It fits the body snugly to detect upper body movements, which are used to initiate and maintain the walking process. Wearers also use crutches for stability and safety.

ReWalk is undergoing clinical trials in Israel at the Rehabilitation Hospital at Chaim Sheba Medical Center - Tel Hashomer, with pilots planned for rehab centers in Holland and Italy. A US trial is scheduled to begin in November at the Moss Rehabilitation Center in Philadelphia, after which Argo will apply for FDA regulatory approval.

Argo's demo video features team member Radi Kioff, a 40-year-old Druze Israeli citizen who was shot in the back while serving in the Israel Defense Forces during the first Lebanon War. Ironically, the man who devised the system that allows Kioff to walk cannot benefit from his own invention. A quadriplegic, Amit Goffer has only partial use of his hands, but not enough to operate the ReWalk.

More at ISRAEL21c...

Product page: ReWalk

Flashback:
ReWalk Exoskeleton

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replies: 10 comments
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I'm a quadriplegic with some use of my hands but not completely. If he doesn't mind me asking, *how* much use does Mr. Goffer *have*? /Where is his injury? I am very, VERY interested in the development of this product. Is there a way *into* the program at Moss Rehab? Where else can I get more information?? Thanks.


Posted by: jjay
on July 21, 2008 10:22 PM GMT

I am also very interested in this amazing product, I cannot walk due to a motorcycle crash [watershed brain injury] and a lack of strength in legs.

I am located in the UK but I would fly any were in the world to try / get involved in this scientific break through.


Posted by: Jon
on July 22, 2008 03:45 AM GMT

I have the use of my legs but I have to give props to the gentleman that created this device. This is very neat. Awesomeness.


Posted by: Shannon
on July 22, 2008 06:02 AM GMT

Awesome work. This will not only give mobility to folks who are disabled, but also for older folks who do not want to use a motorised wheel chair.

I have couple of caveats though:

- The guy using this has to push a button to climb stairs. Why cannot this be automated?
All you would need is to sense a hurdle at ankle length, this is such a simple piece of addition to the exoskeleton.

- Why does this guys control have to be on his wrist? Why cant there be a counter part to his control on his front supports? this way if he needs to stop or sit, he can push the button without removing his hand from his crutch.

- As research progresses, sensors should be included in his footwear to make sure he does not keel over when he is not supporting himself using his crutches. Example: stabilisation mechanism to kick in if the person using it stands still for more than 20 seconds, thus reducing the weight of the equipment off his back.


Posted by: Rajiv Gunja
on July 22, 2008 06:50 AM GMT

Rajiv, I could give a few reasons. Also the remote could probably be placed anywhere, how ever no one location is perfect, he just prefers it on his wrist. As for manualy changing modes, it would really be hard to guess what the user really wants to do. IMO automatically going into step climb mode when it senses something in front of you could yield more unintended consequences then not.

Not really sure what you mean by the last one.


Posted by: jeffmd
on July 23, 2008 10:55 AM GMT

Questions about the Argo ReWalk can be sent to info@argomedtec.com.


Posted by: Rachel
on July 28, 2008 04:48 AM GMT

My 18 year old son is a quadraplegic and we are VERY interested and excited about ReWalk. How are people getting involved with the U.S. trial and how can we find out more about that?? Very impressed. Thank you to all of those wonderful, caring people involved in this project!


Posted by: Angela
on August 8, 2008 05:12 PM GMT

I AM 25 YEARS OLD FOR LAST 5 YEARS I AM PARAPELIGIC DUE TO SPINAL INJURY I AM STANDING N TRYING TO MOVE LITTLE BIT WITH HELP OF STANDARD CALLIPERS


Posted by: G.DASTAGEER KHAN
on August 19, 2008 10:17 PM GMT

My 17 year old son was injured in a car crash a year ago and is paralyzed from the waist down. We are very interested in this product and the forthcoming research in the United States. I have the same questions as Angela in a previous posting. How do we go about getting involved in the trial testing in the U.S.

Thank you so much for your dedication to this project.


Posted by: Ruby
on August 26, 2008 05:15 PM GMT

Please contact Argo Medical with any questions you have.


Posted by: Medgadget
on August 26, 2008 10:04 PM GMT

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