(AP-Washington Post) Aron Heller - When Israeli entrepreneur Amit Goffer was paralyzed in a car crash in 1997, he went on a quest to help other victims walk again. He invented "ReWalk," a device helping paralyzed patients stand and walk. An alternative to the wheelchair, "ReWalk" involves robotic "pants" that use sensors and motors to allow paralyzed patients to stand, walk and even climb stairs. After several years of clinical trials in Israel and the U.S., "ReWalk" will go on sale in January to rehabilitation centers around the world. The 35-pound device, worn outside of clothing, consists of leg braces outfitted with motion sensors and motorized joints that respond to subtle changes in upper-body movement and shifts in balance. A harness around the patient's waist and shoulders keeps the suit in place, and a backpack holds the computer and rechargeable 3 1/2-hour battery.
2010-12-03 08:05:05Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive