For the first time, a company has successfully commercialized a pair of robotic legs that promise handicapped consumers the ability to stand, walk, and negotiate steps. Rex, a robotic exoskeleton that is the fruit of seven years of research and development, could change the way wheelchair-bound people navigate their everyday lives. Though it’s not meant to replace wheelchairs—only complement them—this breakthrough device has life-changing potential.
The Rex was created by childhood friends Richard Little and Robert Irving. “Both of our mothers are in wheelchairs,” said Little. “So we are aware of some of the obstacles and access issues faced by many wheelchair users.” When Irving was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis seven years ago, the pair decided to put their collective engineering skills to use. The Rex is designed so that users transfer themselves into the legs and strap in; it’s powered by a rechargeable battery that should last all day, and movements are controlled by a joystick and control pad.
Needless to say, the Rex isn’t for everyone. Users must be able to self-transfer and operate the hand controls, and the purchase requires approval from one’s physician and a qualified physical therapist before moving forward. And then there’s the expense itself: the company expects the exoskeleton to reach $150,000 per pair when it becomes available stateside in the middle of 2011 (preliminary New Zealand sales should begin by the end of the year).
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