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May 10, 2013

Wearable robots get lighter, less bulky

  • They won't replace wheelchairs, which are faster, but they might make users stronger and healthier, lift depression and bring down medical costs by keeping people out of the hospital.
    • By CARLA K. JOHNSON
    AP Medical Writer

    CHICAGO — When Michael Gore stands, it's a triumph of science and engineering. Eleven years ago, Gore was paralyzed from the waist down in a workplace accident, yet he rises from his wheelchair to his full 6-foot-2-inches and walks across the room with help from a lightweight wearable robot.

    The technology has many nicknames. Besides “wearable robot,” the inventions also are called “electronic legs” or “powered exoskeletons.” This version, called Indego, is among several competing products being used and tested in U.S. rehab hospitals that hold promise not only for people such as Gore with spinal injuries, but also those recovering from strokes or afflicted with multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.


     
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