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I like it when science fiction tech waltzes its way into the “really real” — and that’s what eLegs is doing. Well, it may not be waltzing just yet, but it’s certainly going a long way to helping paraplegics start walking!
eLegs is based on the HULC exoskeleton built for the military by Berkeley Bionics and is heading into medical trials. At the moment, it is not complete upright mobile freedom, but it is a huge step forward and actually does help paraplegics to get out of their chairs and walk. The creators say that they are already working on a “home” version that will allow users to walk unassisted (outside of the robotic exoskeleton, of course).
This is a fantastic step forward for rehabilitation efforts and generally helping people — and while the irony of eLegs developing from a military contract doesn’t escape me, it is equally fantastic that something so positive came from the technology. The grin on the woman in the video below says more than enough to me…
Check out Make Magazine’s blog for more stories like this, and the one I posted on Wednesday. It’s worth your time.
Berkeley Bionics introduces eLEGS exoskeleton [Make Magazine]
Slava says:
Bobby,
this is absolutely amazing! I’ve called everybody to look at this video! It looks almost unreal. I mean in what other century could it be that a paralyzed human can walk! Blows my mind!
October 10, 2010 — 2:05 pm
Bobby Travis says:
I had exactly the same reaction, Slava — after seeing it, I was compelled to share. Glad you enjoyed it!
October 11, 2010 — 3:08 am
Cole Stan says:
Amazing how our technology today are changing too fast. I wonder what other great inventions will be invented couple of years from now. Elegs gives others the chance to have normal lives. This inventions can also boost their self-confidence as well.
October 25, 2010 — 5:22 am
Bobby Travis says:
Agreed, Cole. This is the sort of thing I like to see coming out of science — notwithstanding that the original concept was military.
October 25, 2010 — 8:49 pm
Cole Stan says:
Yup! We’ll soon find out more stuffs that can make impossible things to happen before be in reality. More intensive researches for sure…
October 29, 2010 — 2:15 am
Kathrine@participating in clinical trials says:
Wow! i think it would also be possible to ride on that large exoskeletons just like on the avatar.
July 14, 2011 — 6:20 am
Helen@Custom Printed Balloons says:
In today’s technology almost every science fiction that was imagined before has slowly come to reality. No doubt about that large exoskeletons will be invented soon enough.
August 10, 2011 — 6:15 pm