"To watch one foot in front of another, you couldn't ask for a better feeling." Thrilled words from Hayden Allen, one of the first users of the Rex, Robotic EXoskeleton, from Rex Bionics.
The Rex allows for people who can not use their legs properly to stand and move about. The exoskeleton features the ability to balance on its own and perform most functions that people have when walking. Via a controller on a right arm brace, the user can turn, side step, walk up stairs, standing up, sitting down. According to Allen, being able to do these movements help him circulate blood as stave off bladder infections. Allen also states that he is able to use bench mount machinery at his job and car club.
The Rex weighs about 84Lbs (38kg) on its own. Although it supports the weight of the user, Rex relies on using the person's actual legs to support them. The Rex can get about 3-4 hours of use on a single charge. A second battery can be easily swapped into the frame for extended use. At the moment, the whole system moves rather slow, but over time the speed will be increased. A further builds of the device will get smaller, I am sure. With all the brain control research projects happening, mind control of the exoskeletons like this is sure to follow.
Co-founder of Rex Bionics, Richard Little, shows off the stability of the Rex.
Eavesdropper
