The ReWalk: Remarkable Inventions, One Step At a Time

Recently deemed one of TIME 2013's "The 25 Best Inventions of the Year," the ReWalk is nothing short of extraordinary. Developed by Argo Medical Technologies in Haifa, Israel, the ReWalk is essentially an exoskeleton suit that uses technology with motorized legs that power knee and hip movement. The ReWalk is controlled by on-board computers and motion sensors, allowing users to engage in self-initiated walking without requiring ropes or switches to begin stepping. ReWalk controls movement using slight changes in balance, imitates natural gait and pace, and provides practical walking speed. A forward tilt of the upper body is sensed by the system, which activates the first step. The ReWalk also sits, stands, allows turning and has the ability to climb and descend stairs.

The original ReWalk is available in two versions – the ReWalk I and the ReWalk P. The ReWalk I is  for use by medical institutions for research or therapy, under the supervision of a healthcare professional, such as a physical therapist. The ReWalk P is a personal unit, intended for personal use by patients at home or in public. The ReWalk was approved for hospital use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2011 and underwent clinical trials in MossRehab in Philadelphia.

Quite recently, on May 8th 2012, a paralyzed British woman, Claire Lomas, used a ReWalk to become the first person ever to finish a marathon using a bionic assistance suit. Lomas, who was paralyzed from the waist down in a 2007 riding accident, completed the London Marathon in 17 days with her ReWalk system. Later on in 2012, Lomas became the first person to take the ReWalk suit home to help her in everyday tasks.

Below are some videos and links that include more information about this fascinating device:

1. http://rewalk.us/rewalk-2-0-on-abc-10news/

2. http://rewalk.com

3. http://rewalk.us

4. http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news/health&id=9322025

5. http://techland.time.com/2013/11/14/the-25-best-inventions-of-the-year-2013/slide/rewalk/

The ReWalk in action.
http://images.gizmag.com/hero/rewalk.jpg

An overview of the ReWalk.
http://cdn.medgadget.com/img/robodudes.jpg