ROBO SKELETON: Sci-fi? Now it’s Reality. Group 8 Tiffany Duhamel Elizabeth Sewell Katherine Watson

New Discovery made in Medical Technology: It is now possible for the physically paralyzed to walk!

Robo Skeleton  A hardware device referred to as the Robo Skeleton Device, was created for those paralyzed from the waist down.  It is giving paraplegics a chance at performing basic functions such as: – standing – walking – climbing

Argo Medical Technologies  November 2007, announced the launch of ReWalk Product  Based out of Haifa, Israel  Leading creator of walking devices for paraplegics  Amit Goffer- Founder, inspired by own paralysis to create alternative to wheelchair

ReWalk  Relieves several health related problems that come with the long term use of wheelchairs – Atrophy – Pressure sores  “quasi-robotic ambulation”  WORKS WITH THE DISABLED PERSON, NOT FOR THEM!  Functions by mimicking the exoskeleton of a crap  Uses advanced motion sensing technology

Using the ReWalk Device  Certain movements, such as leaning forward, trigger the body sensors to put the legs in motion.  Users walk with crutches, controlling movements by transferring weight.  Components to wear: – braces on legs – ReWalk Hardware device as backpack – remote control on wrist (to choose activity)

Advantages of ReWalk  Physically- beneficial to body by functioning upright, lungs are able to fully expand, different muscles are being used  Psychologically- at eye level with others, no longer having to look up at people and reach for basic items.

True Life: I’m a paraplegic Radi Kaiof, an ex-Israeli paratrooper, was paralyzed for 20 years before he was introduced to ReWalk. ReWalk changed Radi’s life for good, “I never dreamed I would walk again. After I was wounded, I forgot what it was like to walk. Only when standing up can I feel how tall I really am and speak to people eye to eye, not from below. This device changed my life.”

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BLEEK Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton A self-powered exoskeleton that frames the human body and takes weight burdens off users. Computer controls frame to move in sync with user. Designed for users to carry heavy loads over long distances.

BLEEK  This Device could be very beneficial to the medical and military fields: – Carrying a soldier off the battlefield could be an easy, one-man job. – Rescue workers will now be able to deliver medical supplies and food to people who are inaccessible by vehicle.

The inventions of the ReWalk and BLEEK are revolutionary for mankind. They will improve the quality of life for the disabled and impact the speed of work done by rescue workers and the military.

REFERENCES  Hillman, J. (2008) Robo-skeleton lets paralysed walk. Retrieved August 26, 2008, from BBC NEWS Health. Website: m#top m#top  Goffer. A. (2007, November 1). ReWalk™ Press Release, [Press Release]. Argo Medical Technologies Ltd. Website: Medical%20Technologies%20Ltd%20- %20Press%20Release.pdf Medical%20Technologies%20Ltd%20- %20Press%20Release.pdf