Ekso Bionics is a firm that develops and manufactures intelligently powered exoskeleton bionic devices that can be strapped on as wearable robots, and can enhance the strength, mobility, and endurance of soldiers and paraplegics. They are the original developers of HULC, now under military development by Lockheed Martin, and the current developers of Ekso (formerly eLEGS), which allows wheelchair users to stand and walk. Ekso was selected as WIRED magazine's number two "Most Significant Gadget of 2010", and was included in Time magazine's "50 Best Innovations of 2010". Ekso Bionics was also featured in Inc. Magazine as one of "5 Big Ideas for the Next 15 Years". Ekso Bionics is committed to applying the latest technology and engineering to help people rethink current physical limitations and achieve the remarkable. Originally Berkeley Bionics, Ekso Bionics was founded in Berkeley, California in 2005. Since inception Ekso Bionics has forged partnerships with world-class institutions like UC Berkeley, received research grants from the Department of Defense and licensed technology to the Lockheed Martin Corporation. Today Ekso Bionics continues to pioneer the field of exoskeletons, designing and creating some of the most forward-thinking and innovative solutions for people looking to augment human mobility and capability. A recent item developed by Ekso Bionics is the Exoskeleton which is used to let paraplegics walk. It is not just nuclear-powered super soldiers who will use exoskeletons – it can also be used to help those with physical disabilities. The Kessler Foundation grabbed one of Ekso Bionics' Ekso units and gave six people with severe spinal injuries, including a tetraplegic, the chance to walk. It is part of a trial study to examine the effects of walking for wheelchair-users, to see if it is better for their overall health or if it could contribute to their rehabilitation. A wider study will shortly begin with the hope of expanding use of the gear to domestic situations in the future. After the break we've got video of the people walking for the first time since their injuries and it's hard not to find yourself feeling a little emotional at the sight of it. iWalk is the bionics company advancing technology to restore natural movement for lower-limb amputees. Its proprietary BiOM uses robotics to replicate muscles and tendons for the first time, normalising walking at all speeds and all terrains – truly bringing in the age of bionics. The company was founded in 2006 by Dr. Hugh Herr, director of the Biomechatronics group at the MIT Media Lab. Privately held and headquartered in Bedford, Mass. the company has received funding and support from the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the US Army's Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Centre (TATRC), WFD Ventures (a venture capital firm focused on breakthrough medical products), General Catalyst Partners and Sigma Partners. The BiOM has the power to change lives. I have been an amputee for nearly 20 years, and after wearing the BiOM for only a short while I had the sensation of having an ankle again," said Shawn Brown, COO of SRT Prosthetics & Orthotics. “Within one hour of your first experience, your body and mind will remember what it was like to have a limb that actually contributes to efficient propulsion. I truly believe the BiOM will change the manner in which amputees navigate our world." iWalk today also unveiled new research that scientifically proves that the BiOM normalises level ground walking at multiple speeds for below knee amputees, when compared to peers with intact biological limbs. The study also proved that amputees using BiOM considerably increased their self selected walking speed compared to traditional carbon fiber foot / ankle prostheses. APC Prosthetics is a company dedicated to achieving the best outcome, aiming for the best possible comfort, the best possible function and the best possible lifestyle. It offers prosthetic treatment plans for all activity levels, from early post-operative management to specially designed prostheses for the Australian Paralympic team, emphasising the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach. As a leader in the prosthetics profession in Australia, it is committed to continuous learning, application of the latest technologies and evidence based practice. It aims aim to make any interaction with APC Prosthetics a rewarding experience. Educating and informing you about prosthetic management plans and new developments. Otto Bock is a German prosthetics company situated in Duderstadt. It was founded in 1919 by its namesake prosthetist, Otto Bock (1881–1960) in response to the large number of injured veterans from World War I. The Otto Bock Corporation has been responsible for several innovations in prosthetics, including the pyramid adapter (a highly adjustable linkage for prosthetic parts) and the C-Leg, a computerised knee that adaptively varies its passive resistance to suit the patients' different walking gaits. A medical science centre (German: Science Centre Medizintechnik) is being built by the company in Berlin to celebrate 90 years of its foundation. Next Step prosthetists and clinicians are actively involved in the development of new prosthetic/orthotic technologies and components. By working with prosthetic and orthotic manufacturers, in addition to research facilities, it has access to the latest technologies. Its clients are often invited to beta-test new technologies and components and are at the leading edge of new developments. Dear Egyptian Mail readers, Your comments and/or contributions are welcome. We promise to publish whatever is deemed publishable at the end of each series of articles. [email protected]
