SuitX has unveiled what could possibly be the cheapest exoskeleton to date that can help paralyzed individuals walk again.
Dubbed as Phoenix, the exoskeleton allows the wearer to move via small motors that are atteched to standard orthotics, MIT Technology Review reported. Through the mechanisms, a paraplegic could control the movement of his or her legs through the buttons built on the crutches. SuitX promises users that Phoenix will let them walk as far as 1.1 miles in an hour.
Phoenix is not the only exoskeleton available in the market that lets paraplegics walk. It has, however, several advantages. ReWalk, for instance, is one of the leading devices today but it costs around $77,000, as HNGN previously reported. Phoenix is also modular and can be adjusted in order to fit the build and height of its wearer. Unlike many exoskeletons today, which are based on industrial robot design, Phoenix is built according to biomechanics.
"It's really not much about the power, it's about cleverness," Dr. Homayoon Kazerooni, SuitX CEO, told Fast Company. "We've designed this machine with minimal hardware that just allows for walking and nothing else."
Users who have tried Phoenix have so far expressed satisfaction. Its compact design, particularly, has allowed them to walk around without people noticing the machine or trying to give way, which paraplegics say is important in order for them to lead a normal life.
SuitX is planning to develop another exoskeleton but this time for children. A concept was already submitted at the Robotics For Good competition, according to Engadget.
