It used to be the stuff of science fiction. Robot exoskeletons are helping paralysed people walk again thanks to Dublin City University.
The paralysed explorer Mark Pollock has paired with professors to give away “robotic rehabilitation” for people in need. The exoskeleton helps people with paralysis to stand up and walk, aided by a robotic frame that is strapped to the body.
Ronan Langan, the Exoskeleton Programme’s clinical lead, told The Times that the suit had “motorised units” near the knees and hips which could detect its user’s ability to walk. The units do “around 300 checks per second”, then give the right level of assistance. If completely paralysed the suit will walk for them.
“There is an immediate impact when they stand up, then
