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Jessica Havas 11/20/2012

+ Problem Being Solved

The ReWalk™ is a bionic system which allows people suffering from paralysis in their lower extremity to stand, walk, or climb stairs.

Paraplegia- The loss of motor or sensory function in the legs and

sometimes the trunk. Most cases are caused from spinal cord injury

Approximately 11,000 spinal cord injuries each year in the US involve paraplegia

+ Components

6 Main Components:

1)Back pack- Contains a 28 volt lithium-ion battery, a back up battery, and an on board computer which contains a radio transmitter to communicate with the watch.

2)The watch-has buttons that allows the user to select whether they would like to sit, stand, ascend or descend stairs.

+ Components (Cont.)

3) Motor tilt sensor- Worn in a pelvic brace on the left side of the body. It propels the body forward by detecting shifts in balance and body weight.

4) Motor pods- Support body weight.

5) Foot plates- Places under the shoes. Help bear the weight of the user and the device itself.

6) Crutches- Give the user balance as they lean forward.

+ Advantages

Can give those who have been confined to a wheel chair a new sense of independence.

Provides a form of exercise that was not easily attainable from a wheel chair.

+ Limitations

Height and weight restrictions The user can not be more than 100kg (220 pounds)

and must be 63-75” tall.

Doctor approval is necessary before using the ReWalk™ , and then training is mandatory (can be around 6 months).

Must have functioning hands, arms, and shoulders

Be in good cardiovascular health Have a healthy skeletal system

+Availability

ReWalk™ Rehabilitation is a model designed for the clinical rehabilitation has been in use for several years in centers across

Europe, Israel, and the United States.

There is also a personal model (ReWalk™ Personal)

Launched in 2012 Available throughout Europe.  Awaiting FDA approval in US. Cost around 85,000 Insurance coverage depends on the country.

+ References

"Paraplegia." Paraplegia. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://www.spinal-injury.net/paraplegia.htm>.

"How Does the 'bionic' Marathon Suit Work?" BBC News. BBC, 05 Sept. 2012. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-18002728>.

"UCPN Offering Gait Training." ReWalk US RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://rewalk.us/>.

"ReWalk â“ Personal." � ReWalk. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://rewalk.com/products/rewalk-personal/>.

"ReWalk Exoskeleton Going on Sale in January." ReWalk Exoskeleton Going on Sale in January. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2012. <http://medgadget.com/2010/12/rewalk_exoskeleton_going_on_sale_in_january.html>