By Angelica Guevara

    Former Israeli paratrooper Radi Kaiof has been paralyzed for the last 20 years following an injury during his service in the Israeli military. With the introduction of new technology, called ReWalk, his life is completely changed. Out from the wheelchair and into the Robo Exoskeleton! "I never dreamed I would walk again. After I was wounded, I forgot what it's like. Only when standing up can I feel how tall I really am and speak to people eye to eye, not from below" Kaiof states.

    ReWalk, developed in Tel-Aviv by engineer Amit Goffer, founder of Argo Medical Technologies, is still undergoing clinical trials. However, the positive outcomes of the exoskeleton are presenting themselves early.  For instance, by maintaining wearers in an upright position on a daily basis and giving mobility to their limbs, the device can alleviate many health problems associated with long-term wheelchair use, despite being paralyzed.  In addition, it allows wearers to once again make eye contact with others.

    The device is quite simple. Users wear a backpack and braces strapped to their legs. From a remote control bound to their wrists, the desired motion, for example, climbing stairs, is selected. By leaning forwards, body sensors are activated setting the robotic legs in motion. With the aid of crutches, users control the suit through changes in center of gravity and upper body movements.

    With time and the progression of technology, whatever kinks in ReWalk exist may be ironed out giving hope to many non-ambulatory lives. Like many whose lives have been changed by incidents; losing a leg or the ability to use them, technology is a beacon light of hope which grants second chances at a life worth living.  If athletes can run marathons using prosthetic limbs, then walking, like running, is a possibility worth striving to achieve in the years to come for those living bound to the seat of a wheelchair.