New Legs for injured Motorcyclist
August 18, 2010
A Motorcyclist left paralysed by a motorbike accident five years ago has started walking again with the aid of a pair of robotic legs. Hayden Allen was told by doctors he would never walk again after damaging his spinal chord in a motorcycle accident . The New Zealander took his first steps a few months ago with the help of 'Rex' - a robotic exoskeleton that designed to assist people usually confined a wheelchair.
The system has allowed Mr Allen to lead a much more normal life, as it enables him to interact with others on an eye-level basis. Battery-powered Rex is controlled by a joystick and is expected to cost about £98,000. The system will go on sale in New Zealand later this year, with a view to being exported in 2011.