Inspired by Segway Scooter, Vanderbilt Exoskeleton Gets Paralyzed on Their Legs (VIDEO)

October 30th, 2012 Editors Rehab

In the last few years we’ve seen orthotic exoskeletons introduced by Argo and Ekso Bionics that get wheelchair-bound people on their legs again. In the meantime engineers at Vanderbilt University have been developing their own powered device which is lighter and smaller than the competition.

The Vanderbilt exoskeleton is controlled by the person shifting the body’s center of gravity, much like the Segway scooter. It’s small enough to be taken on and off independently by the user while sitting in a wheelchair and weighs only 27 pounds (12 kilos). Check out a couple videos below to see the device in action.

Additional benefits of Vanderbilt’s exoskeleton according to the designers:

The amount of robotic assistance adjusts automatically for users who have some muscle control in their legs. This allows them to use their own muscles while walking. When a user is totally paralyzed, the device does all the work. The other designs provide all the power all of the time.

It is the only wearable robot that incorporates a proven rehabilitation technology called functional electrical stimulation. FES applies small electrical pulses to paralyzed muscles, causing them to contract and relax. FES can improve strength in the legs of people with incomplete paraplegia. For complete paraplegics, FES can improve circulation, change bone density and reduce muscle atrophy.

Flashbacks: Ekso Bionics Sells Its First Commercial Exoskeleton; EKSO Bionics Exoskeleton at TEDMED; ARGO’s Rewalk Technology on Display at Advamed (video); Argo ReWalk Exoskeleton Now Ready to Take Home, Around Neighborhood (video); ReWalk Exoskeleton Going on Sale in January

Update: The original version of this story stated that the Argo and Ekso exoskeletons are only button controlled. This seems not to be the case, at least regarding Ekso that is capable of being balance activated. Thanks to reader Jim for the correction.

Upcoming conferences

october

18octallday19alldayWorld Congress on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Fertility, 2018Abu Dhabi, UAE

18octallday19alldayManaging Your Complaints and Obstacles in Post-Market Requirements -- Results from Top Medical Device Observations During an InspectionMinneapolis, MN, USA

Event Details

Post-Market activities, Complaint Handling, MDRs, and Recalls are expensive, time consuming, and often lead to more serious financial consequences. Over 80% of FDA Inspection target observations for lack of compliance in these areas.

By attending this seminar, you will discover:

How to overcome one of the biggest obstacles device manufacturers face
How the FDA expects you to develop and implement proper handling of complaints reportable or non-reportable, product complaint handling and documentation
How and when to file Medical Device Reports (MDR), effective and appropriate communication with the appropriate regulatory agencies in the event of a recall.
How to conduct a correction and removal actions to avoid a recall crisis, including required recordkeeping, expectation from FDA and other regulatory agencies in the event of a recall and key factors in implementing and maintaining compliance with the regulations and real life experiences of FDA.

**New course materials have been added, updated content will include:

Creating Standard Operating Systems (SOPs) for Post-Market Quality Systems and
What to expect from the changes in ORA with Inspection Structure Realignment

This Seminar will have you stop spinning your wheels with nonessential activities, and leave you with a comprehensive learning package that only Rita Hoffman, a former FDA CDRH Recall Branch Chief with experience across the device, drug and veterinary industries can provide.

Spend one and a half days in an interactive course led by Ms. Rita Hoffman, Former FDA CDRH Recall Branch Chief with over 36 years with FDA and leading Industry Expert, who will provide the participants with tools to minimize risk of regulatory enforcement actions.

Time

october 18 (Thursday) - 19 (Friday)

Organizer

Compliance Online 80068SEM

Learn More

Calendar GoogleCal

18octallday19allday18th Global Ophthalmology, Optometry and Glaucoma Conference, 2018Helsinki, Finland

18octallday19alldayBiology and Pathology of Infectious Disease Conference, 2018Helsinki, Finland

18octallday19allday14th Global Biomarkers Summit, 2018Amsterdam, Netherlands

22octallday23alldayInternational Conference on Breast Cancer, 2013Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada