Now this is interesting: a powered exoskeleton for paraplegics

[dianeduane]

It ain’t cheap. But I wonder if this is one of those things we’re going to see come down in price as the affiliated technologies become cheaper, and as more people start using it. Assuming that they do...

ReWalk™ is a man-machine device where the user is actively involved and has control of all mobility functions, through unique control processes. Walking is controlled through subtle changes in center of gravity, stability and safety are secured by use of crutches. Participation in mobility control comes naturally and intuitively, and brings tangible health and emotional benefits. ReWalk™ is not just a vertical wheelchair – ReWalk™ restores the element of control over mobility so lacking for wheelchair users. As any wheelchair user can attest, life in a wheelchair carries a hefty healthcare price tag. Serious problems with the urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems are common, as well as osteoporosis, pressure sores and other afflictions.  
By maintaining users upright on a daily basis, and exercising even paralyzed limbs in the course of movement, ReWalk™ alleviates many of the health-related problems associated with long-term wheelchair use. In addition to relieving suffering, this has a real impact on healthcare costs – cutting, and enabling both insurers and individuals to redirect funds to other avenues. Adoption of ReWalk™ by wheelchair users results in significant cost saving at both institutions and private homes. ReWalk™ makes standing devices, stair lifts, bed lifts, and other mobility assistance apparatus redundant. Similarly, ReWalk™ users don't require expensive powered wheelchairs – or the oversize vehicles and devices required to handle them. With ReWalk™, users require only minimal additional mobility assistance – dramatically increasing independence together with cost saving on a yearly basis.

Comments

[keristor.livejournal.com]

I don't see a price quoted, but the blurb does say that it will be cheaper on a yearly basis. Cheaper than what, of course, is another matter (they may be adding up all of the costs of maintaining a high-performance powered wheelchair plus the costs of mobility assistance). It does look good, though.

Whether it will be available (or certified for use) in the UK is another matter, of course...

[pauamma]

Has the price (or manufacturing cost) of powerchairs gone down any over time?

[keristor.livejournal.com]

Interesting question. I think that as with so much technology the functionality has risen but the price has stayed roughly constant. But whether that's in real terms or numerical ones, and whether it's related to wages or the amount a person needing one gets from the state, will produce different results.

Certainly I see a lot more powered chairs (and 'scooters' and the like) around now than I did say 20 years ago, but whether that's because the price has actually come down or that the technology is getting into the product for the same price I don't know.

(Compare, for instance, PCs. The minimum price hasn't changed much for a decade, but what you get for that price has increased drastically. There's a certain minimum in production and marketing costs and when you get close to that all you can do is increase the facilities.)

[touchstone.livejournal.com]

This should be able to benefit from some synergy with military research. I know there's active development towards lower-body / spine-to-shoulders 'exoskeletons' for military use for the purpose of carrying heavy loads. There are some differences in the specific requirements, but enough overlap that it should help.

[pauamma]

Hmm. I'll believe that when I see a powerchair based on BigDog. :-)

[miss-next.livejournal.com]

What a brilliant idea!

[comrade-cat.livejournal.com]

That is awesome!

[were-gopher.livejournal.com]

I've been following the development of these types of devices for years. It's great to see them finally becoming a commercial reality.

[jfs.livejournal.com]

As seen on the Glee Christmas special :-)

[batyatoon]

I love this age I'm living in. :D

[trialia]

I have to wonder how far it'll be workable for those of us with connective-tissue disorders, but it seems like it'd be great for people who have been disabled through accidents or similar.

[ethelmay.livejournal.com]

Just saw an article about this in a local paper. The guy is going to have them piloted in India to get around the long approval process in the US. Initially, if you want to try this and you don't live in Vellore, you'll have to be a medical tourist. Can't decide whether I think this is a good idea, or kind of crummy.

[lelaro.livejournal.com]

First saw this on glee and i thought it was an awesome concept and wish that they would mention it again in the future, but that show has some screwy continuity...

[melissajm.livejournal.com]

Oo, I want one!
Wow.

[jaxomsride.livejournal.com]

They have a similar device in Japan.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnKkQmfaTv4

Slightly different tech but the results are the same.

Can't wait to have my say

[(Anonymous)]

Hey - I am certainly glad to discover this. cool job!

[dewline.livejournal.com]

I'll be interested to see how this develops over the next couple of years.