The REX Robotic Exoskeleton

ElectricSteve writes "When Robert Irving was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, it was the catalyst for him and his childhood friend, Richard Little, to turn their engineering skills to the task of developing an exoskeleton that was a practical, standing-and-walking alternative to wheelchairs. The result is REX, an exoskeleton made of strong, lightweight materials that is designed to support and hold a person comfortably as he moves. Users strap themselves in to the robotic legs with a number of Velcro and buckled straps that fit around the legs, along with a belt around the waist. While most robotic exoskeletons we've looked at, such as the HAL, augment human motion, this is generally not an option for wheelchair-bound users, so REX is controlled using a joystick that sits at the wearer's waist level." The rig is expected to cost $150K when introduced later this year in New Zealand. Gizmag has an obnoxious timed popover subscription nag, so NoScript is indicated.

M.A.N.T.I.S.

[reymyster]

Next iteration, Mechanically Automated NeuroTransmitter Interactive System? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M.A.N.T.I.S [wikipedia.org].

Re:Segway

[maxume]

It was much of the point of developing the technology:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IBOT [wikipedia.org]

Re:Segway

[MozeeToby]

I wouldn't agree with the statement "it's still a wheelchair". While it is technically a chair on wheels it solves the vast majority of the problems that wheelchairs have: it can go up and down stairs, it can raise the user to eye level, and doesn't get bogged down in loose terrain. Oh, and it doubles as a chair. I kid but seriously, if you're paralyzed do you really want to get into and out of a robotic contraption every time you want to move somewhere and then sit down and relax?

It's a shame that they couldn't make a profit on the device, I think it really had the chance to change a lot of people's lives for the better.

Re:For that price?

[SwordsmanLuke]

Sure, it's slow, but I imagine the inconvenience of being in a wheelchair (faster, but you can't reach anything) isn't much better. I'd imagine it's faster on the stairs than dragging himself up them, anyway.

Plus, you saw how happy that guy was to be standing and walking, even if he was walking very slowly. Don't underestimate the psychological benefits of being able to stand upright, even assisted. People will respond much more positively to someone in an exoskeletal support suit than someone in a wheelchair.

Re:Segway

[laurlaur12]

The iBot was more than just a wheelchair. I worked for the company that makes them, and i have seen first hand just how amazing it really is. Independence ot climb stairs and reach high cabinets, as well as the ability to navigate on rough terrain. The iBot may start in a sitting position, but it navigates on 2 wheels in the standing position just as well!