Exoskeleton for legs approved for sale

  • Context: Medical 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Ryan_m_b
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the recent approval for sale of a leg exoskeleton, exploring its implications for mobility aids and potential advancements in technology. Participants express excitement about the product's market entry and its advantages over traditional mobility solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express enthusiasm about the milestone of the exoskeleton's market approval, noting its potential impact on mobility aids.
  • Others highlight the noise produced by the device, indicating mixed feelings about its practicality.
  • There is a suggestion that the market presence of the exoskeleton could drive further technological advancements, making such devices more widespread.
  • Questions are raised regarding the battery capacity, with some participants noting that it reportedly allows for 2 hours of active use, which could extend to a full day with no power draw when stationary.
  • One participant mentions the potential for rapid improvements in the technology once prototypes are successful, particularly in relation to helping veterans with specific needs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the promising nature of the exoskeleton and its potential benefits, but there are differing views on its practicality and the specifics of its power supply.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions regarding the battery performance and the extent of improvements in technology remain unverified, and the discussion does not resolve the concerns about noise or practicality.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in advancements in mobility aids, technology developers, and those involved in veteran support services may find this discussion relevant.

Ryan_m_b
Staff Emeritus
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Insights Author
Messages
5,964
Reaction score
727
I've seen many videos and articles reporting on various mobility aids such as this but I didn't realize it was close to market. A fantastic milestone.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-15644379
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Noisy.

But fascinating.
 
Borek said:
Noisy.

But fascinating.

I'm hoping that the market presence will fuel the development of such technologies to make them widespread. The advantages over conventional solutions (i.e. wheelchairs) are immense.
 
And the battery or power supply has what capacity??
 
256bits said:
And the battery or power supply has what capacity??

According to the manufacturers 2 hours of active use, apparently this can correspond to a whole day of use (it draws no power when standing still or sitting).
http://www.rexbionics.com/What-is-Rex/Power-and-weight.aspx
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Very promising! Early days, yet, but these things have a way of getting improved pretty rapidly once the prototypes are successful.

EDIT: The US has a lot of veterans with traumatic brain injuries and neurological deficits. I'll bet that we could help the inventors modestly, to speed up improvements and roll-out of more advanced models. Our VA is sadly underfunded, but these Scots probably don't need megabucks.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Medical 3D printer for personalised orthotic devices
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
4K
Medical Efficacy of Laser Hair Treatment
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
50K
News Are Hospitals As Safe As We Think?
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Medical Parasite theory: Helminths and harmony
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
Bridge Collapse Genoa - Informed Engineering Perspectives
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
12K
Is a Genetic Mutation Creating a Real-Life Superman?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
12K
The Truth About Yerba Mate: Health Benefits, Risks, and Controversy
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
New book on dynamical, agent-based models for economics
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K
Graduate How Do Garrett Lisi's Theories Challenge Current Physics Paradigms?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
News Is Foreign Aid Effective in Promoting Long-Term Development?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K