Masdar Smart City and Robotics - GineersNow Engineering Magazine Masdar: The Future of Sustainable City in Abu Dhab | Page 15

ENGINEERS HELP
PARALYTICS TO
GET BACK ON
THEIR FEET
Photo by: Adrian Malloch
The Rex Bionics Group is a leading
technology based company that
produces robotic walking devices.
Paralytics in wheel chairs will now
be able to walk, all thanks to this
company’s innovation. The robotic
innovation’s physical appearance is
similar to a human exoskeleton, a sort
of robotic suit, which could be the
next alternative for wheelchairs.
Rex
Bionics
uses
advanced
technological solutions, precise
engineering,
electromechanical
actuators and exclusive system
of network to make this awesome
robotics device possible. The primary
concern of the robotic exoskeleton
has been to improve the capabilities
of the people of military ground. The
materials that are used to build it
are lightweight, so that the person
will be able to maneuver the device
comfortably. The individual will strap
themselves to the exoskeleton with
the help of several Velcro and buckle-
straps that are strapped around the
legs and the belt wraps around the
waist. Unlike most exoskeletons, REX
is controlled through a joystick that is
placed in the waist level of the user.
With Rex, an individual can make
any movement like walking, moving
sideways, climbing up and down the
stairs, and even turning around. It is
convenient to move on any surface
may it be on slopes, ramps or flat
surfaces.
It has a battery that can be
recharged and can run for around
two hours. However, prior to
purchasing a Rex, the person needs
to consult a physician and qualified
physical therapist to make sure that
it is suitable for them. In order to
use Rex, a person’s height must be
between 4’8’’- 6’4’’, weight less
than 220lb and a waist dimension
of less than 15”.
Rex Bionics ensures that they instruct
their customers well on how to use
it. They mention that it is suitable
for any manual wheelchair user
to operate with the help of hand
controls. This device has proved to
be very helpful for the paralytics.
JULY 2016
Future Cities & Robotics
15