Robotics helps British soldier learn to walk again
As part of a university pilot scheme, a former British soldier who was paralysed in Afghanistan is learning how to walk again with the help of an exoskeleton. James Johnson, who served with the Grenadier Guards, is the first paraplegic person to be part of the Salford University pilot scheme to teach people how to walk using robotics.
Designed for all day use, the battery-powered ReWalk system features a light, wearable exoskeleton with motors at the hip and knee joints. The ‘ReWalker’ controls movement using subtle changes in his/her centre of gravity. A forward tilt of the upper body is sensed by the system which initiates the first step, and repeated body shifting generates a sequence of steps which mimics a functional natural gait of the legs.
The expense of the mobility aid is one of the factors delaying the widespread adoption of the ReWalk system, however, Rewalk Robotics hopes insurance companies will extend cover to help other people with similar disabilities.
Featured products
MAX17793
Analog Devices Inc.
3V to 80V, 3A, High-Efficiency, Synchronous Step-Down DC-DC Converter
| SKU: | MAX17793 |
|---|---|
| Stock: | 9316 |
| Cost: | $3.64 |
MAX22516
Analog Devices Inc.
IO-Link Data Link Controller with Transceiver and Integrated DC-DC
| SKU: | MAX22516 |
|---|---|
| Stock: | 8000 |
| Cost: | $5.42 |
