Paralyzed man walks using robotic suit
A 28-year-old man who is paralyzed below his shoulders walked using a robot suit. The man could not move his arms, hips and legs. Doctors put a special robotic exoskeleton on him. This machine covered his arms, legs and body. It was also attached to the ceiling so the man would not fall over. He controlled the machine using sensors that were put near his brain. The man used his thoughts to tell the sensors to move the machine. The machine moved his arms and legs. He was able to walk a few steps using the machine even though he was paralyzed. Doctors are in the early stages of developing this technology. They think exoskeletons will help disabled people in the future. Technology will pick up signals from the brain to control wearable technology. A surgeon who co-led the exoskeleton trial commented on the robotic suit. He said it was the first brain-controlled system to be designed that can move all four limbs. The man was very happy with the test. He said: "I can't go home tomorrow in my exoskeleton, but I've got to a point where I can walk. I walk when I want and I stop when I want." |