Rex, the robotic exoskeleton, will it make wheelchairs obsolete?

New Zealand, not knowing to be a hotbed of technical innovations today, but that may change soon thanks to this product of seven years of development work, the REX exoskeleton. The Rex exoskeleton is capable of supporting the full weight of a person, which should make it suitable for paraplegics, capable of moving him or her around in a bipedal fashion.

The Rex operates by using a joystick and a control pad that is simple enough for any User to use with a bit of training. The Rex is about to go on sale in its home country this year, followed by an international launch in about 2011.

The bad news, it may be too expensive for handicapped people that need at a price of $150,000 each US dollars. But then I'll not qualified to be a judge of what's too expensive to allow someone whose handicap the value of being able to walk again. You can see the video here and the full press release and judge for yourself if this gadget has any value.

Press release: World First Robotic Legs Provide NEW Option for Wheelchair Users:

When Hayden Allen was spinal cord injured five years ago he became a full time wheelchair user and doctors told him he'd never walk again. Today a revolutionary product developed by Auckland-based company Rex Bionics has enabled Hayden to walk again.

Hayden has been one of the first people in the world to use Rex, the Robotic Exoskeleton, which is most easily described as a pair of robotic legs that supports and assists a person who usually uses a wheelchair, enabling the person to stand, walk and go up and down steps and slopes.

"I'll never forget what it was like to see my feet walking under me the first time I used Rex," says Hayden, who is 6'4" (193cm) tall when standing. "People say to me, 'look up when you're walking' but I just can't stop staring down at my feet moving."

Being up out of his chair and on his feet again allows Hayden many more options on a day to day basis, increasing opportunities for employment and recreational activities by providing access for him independently to go places previously inaccessible to him. For example - up stairs!

Rex users self-transfer from their wheelchair into Rex, strap themselves in and control their movements using a joystick and control pad. REX is powered by a lightweight, long life rechargeable battery. Rex is the brainchild of two childhood friends, Richard Little and Robert Irving – co-founders of Rex Bionics. "Both of our mothers are in wheelchairs so we are aware of some of the obstacles and access issues faced by many wheelchair users," says Richard.

Robert's Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis seven years ago was the catalyst for these men to put their engineering skills to use to develop a practical, standing and walking alternative to wheel chairs.

The founders are quick to point out that Rex is not a replacement for a wheelchair, but a complement that offers a range of options not currently available anywhere else in the world. It is potentially suitable for manual wheelchair users who can self-transfer and operate hand controls.

My only worry is that, having my foot run over by a wheelchair I can say it was quite painful. But, having someone wearing the REX exoskeleton step on my foot would be, I imagine quite shattering.