The United States Food and Drug Administration has approved a first of its kind robotic device known as the ReWalk. As the name implies, ReWalk has the potential to help millions of people suffering from spinal cord injuries to walk again with a little help from modern technology. This is the first robotic exoskeleton approved for home use in the US, which works by physically moving the wearer’s paralyzed limbs. It’s an incredible example of robotics doing cool things that (presumably) can’t lead to a Skynet-style robot apocalypse.

The ReWalk works by strapping onto the user’s legs and upper body for support. At each hip, knee, and ankle joint is a motor that is controlled by an on-board computer. The articulating sections on the legs are stabilized by the additional straps around the midsection, which are also connected to a backpack that houses the batteries and computer that controls the whole apparatus.

exoskeleton remote

Many paraplegics have some degree of movement in their legs, but that’s not required for using a ReWalk — it does all the hard work as directed by a wireless remote control worn on the wrist (seen above). Most people with spinal injuries between T7 and L5 should be able to give ReWalk a shot. It uses a tilt sensor to make sure the foot falls are kept even in a variety of terrains. However, the users still needs to be able to stabilize him or herself with a pair of crutches as the robotic exoskeleton carries them around. Although the company, ReWalk Robotics, has shown people climbing stairs using the ReWalk, that’s not an “officially” approved use.

The mobility aspect of personal robotics is potentially very useful, and it’s no surprise this is where the industry is going first. However, there’s a whole range of potential uses for exoskeletons similar to this one for people who can get up and walk on their own. Imagine an exoskeleton that would allow you to carry heavy objects or leap tall buildings in a single bound. Okay, maybe not the second one so much, but similar technologies could be used to augment human strength in the future. Yes, maybe mech wars someday.

ReWalk 2

It is estimated that a significant portion of the more than 200,000 paralyzed individuals in the US would be medically able to use a ReWalk exoskeleton to get around, but it’s not going to come cheaply. The home version of the device will cost nearly $70,000 and it’s not clear what costs, if any, insurance companies in the US will pay. That’s about what you’d pay for a mid-range Tesla Model S (and it goes a lot faster).

Anyone interested in buying a ReWalk home model needs to meet the physical requirements and go through training with one of the units under the supervision of physical therapists.