Sci/Tech Human exoskeleton suit helps paralyzed people walk

[The Helper]

HAIFA, Israel (Reuters) - paralyzed for the past 20 years, former Israeli paratrooper Radi Kaiof now walks down the street with a dim mechanical hum.

That is the sound of an electronic exoskeleton moving the 41-year-old's legs and propelling him forward -- with a proud expression on his face -- as passersby stare in surprise.

"I never dreamed I would walk again. After I was wounded, I forgot what it's like," said Kaiof, who was injured while serving in the Israeli military in 1988.

"Only when standing up can I feel how tall I really am and speak to people eye to eye, not from below."

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[H34DhUnT3r]

one word: Awesome!

 

[mushroom911]

totally awesomes... but 1 question.... will it be cost efficient ?

 

[BlargIAmDead]

The product, slated for commercial sale in 2010, will cost as much as the more sophisticated wheelchairs on the market, which sell for about $20,000, the company said.

Good to hear we're finally getting out of the lab and onto the market with this kind of technology.

 

[Jedimindtrixxx]

HAIFA, Israel (Reuters) - paralyzed for the past 20 years, former Israeli paratrooper Radi Kaiof now walks down the street with a dim mechanical hum.

mechanical hum eh? i can just imagine him walking down the street like "bvvt bvvt bvvt bvvt"
imo that would get pretty annoying :O

still better than a weelchair though but >.>