Robotic Suit Could Replace Wheelchair - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Family Ties Forever! · 03-18-2013, 03:24 AM

link

Ekso Bionics' Robotic Suit Eyes-On (video) Hands-On
By Steve Dent posted Mar 16, 2013 at 6:30 PM

Since last we saw the Ekso Bionics robotic suit, which helps folks with lower-extremity paralysis or weakness to stand up and walk, the $110,000 exoskeleton has been on the market for about a year. About 30 have sold so far, and the company's director of marketing and communications, Allison Sojka, reckons that medical centers have already helped rehabilitate somewhere between 500 and 1,000 patients. By allowing them to stand up and walk, the bionic suit not only helps users overcome issues like bone density loss and neuropathic pain related to their condition, but also to gain reams of confidence -- an oft-overlooked factor in the recovery process.

The production model is a polished-looking assemblage of aluminum and judiciously placed titanium and carbon fiber, along with sensors, motors, joints, off-the-shelf DSPs and custom circuitry and software. Two lithium-ion batteries power the device (four are included), each of which will go for three to six hours after charging for an hour or so, allowing continuous use of the suit by facilities. Three walk modes are available, namely FirstStep, which is actuated by a therapist with a button push; a user-controlled mode called ActiveStep; and ProStep, which senses user body cues for movement control.

The suit also provides audio feedback to help users achieve ideal positioning and transmits stats and data for further review and reporting. Sojka said that the company will release new variable-assist software option in June that'll let patients contribute from zero to 100 percent of the walking power, with the exoskeleton providing the rest -- though there's no pricing yet for that update. To hear her describe how the suit works and see it in action with patient Sarah Anderson, see video.

Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.

Schmoopie · 03-18-2013, 05:09 AM

That is awesome! I work with people in wheelchairs (over the phone but still) and this would be very beneficial to them and give them a sense of freedom.

Penny Lane · 03-18-2013, 11:42 AM

That's great if you have $110,000 to pay for it! I seriously doubt that any insurance company would pay for it. Maybe partially but probably only a small percentage.

treky · 03-22-2013, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Schmoopie

That is awesome! I work with people in wheelchairs (over the phone but still) and this would be very beneficial to them and give them a sense of freedom.

y, that IS AWESOME!!! It would be great for people with my condition which as I've said in previous posts, causes gradual muscle weakness, mostly in the lower extremities.

03-18-2013, 03:24 AM	#1
Family Ties Forever! Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 16, 2002 Location: Keaton residence Posts: 10,214	Robotic Suit Could Replace Wheelchair link Ekso Bionics' Robotic Suit Eyes-On (video) Hands-On By Steve Dent posted Mar 16, 2013 at 6:30 PM Since last we saw the Ekso Bionics robotic suit, which helps folks with lower-extremity paralysis or weakness to stand up and walk, the $110,000 exoskeleton has been on the market for about a year. About 30 have sold so far, and the company's director of marketing and communications, Allison Sojka, reckons that medical centers have already helped rehabilitate somewhere between 500 and 1,000 patients. By allowing them to stand up and walk, the bionic suit not only helps users overcome issues like bone density loss and neuropathic pain related to their condition, but also to gain reams of confidence -- an oft-overlooked factor in the recovery process. The production model is a polished-looking assemblage of aluminum and judiciously placed titanium and carbon fiber, along with sensors, motors, joints, off-the-shelf DSPs and custom circuitry and software. Two lithium-ion batteries power the device (four are included), each of which will go for three to six hours after charging for an hour or so, allowing continuous use of the suit by facilities. Three walk modes are available, namely FirstStep, which is actuated by a therapist with a button push; a user-controlled mode called ActiveStep; and ProStep, which senses user body cues for movement control. The suit also provides audio feedback to help users achieve ideal positioning and transmits stats and data for further review and reporting. Sojka said that the company will release new variable-assist software option in June that'll let patients contribute from zero to 100 percent of the walking power, with the exoskeleton providing the rest -- though there's no pricing yet for that update. To hear her describe how the suit works and see it in action with patient Sarah Anderson, see video. Copyright 2013. All rights reserved.
	__________________ Jenny

03-18-2013, 05:09 AM	#2
Schmoopie Keep Calm and Love Snoopy Forum Star Join Date: Jul 13, 2008 Location: Lynnwood, Washington Posts: 15,697	That is awesome! I work with people in wheelchairs (over the phone but still) and this would be very beneficial to them and give them a sense of freedom.
	__________________ In memory of my wonderful husband. I love and miss you more than words can say, but I will always and forever keep you in my heart. September 23, 1961-January 14, 2019

03-18-2013, 11:42 AM	#3
Penny Lane Butter Pie Forum Icon Join Date: Jul 03, 2001 Location: Beneath the blue suburban skies Posts: 51,082	That's great if you have $110,000 to pay for it! I seriously doubt that any insurance company would pay for it. Maybe partially but probably only a small percentage.
	__________________ Vulgarity is no substitute for wit- Lady Violet Crawley