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Robotic legs for paraplegics march forward
"To take my first step in the eLegs was just astounding, because I bent my knee for the first time in 18 years and I placed my heel on the ground. And then I transferred my weight. And then I took another step. And another one. And it was so natural, and that was what really gripped me."
- Amanda Boxtel
Amanda Boxtel hasn't walked since a skiing accident left her paralyzed nearly two decades ago. In the video below, she stands and walks for the first time in 18 years using eLegs.
More paraplegics may be following in Boxtel's bionic footsteps. Berkeley Bionics unveiled the eLegs at a press conference in San Francisco today, saying clinical trials of the steel and carbon fiber suit will start next year at select U.S. rehabilitation clinics, with a limited release scheduled during the second half of the year.