In October 7, 2010, Berkeley Bionics unveiled eLEGS, an exoskeleton system that allows paraplegics and those with mobility disorders to stand and walk. These powered exoskeletons allow wearers to walk upright with little physical exertion.
eLegs was designed and built at Berkeley Bionics. Berkeley College graduate students and Berkeley Bionic interns created the technology which uses has a series of sensors which recognizes different gestures done by those wearing the exosuits. The sensors sends this information to a computer within the suit which will tell the exosuit to react a certain way based on the gesture given. Every aspect of the person’s movement is managed by the computer to allow the person to safely move as desired. Extensive research was done to discover how to use the information from the sensors. Research was also needed to discover how the suit could enable users to sit, walk, or turn in the face of unknowns, such as rocky terrain.
Users have a strong desire to maintain their independence, so they needed to create a controller which users could put on and take off by themselves. Therefore, the device is a light 45 pounds, making it easy for patients to carry on their own. The device sits naturally at a patients waist so that is maintains a narrow shape which allows them to maneuver through doors and corridors.
Under medical supervision, eLEGS will initially be used in rehabilitation centers which the hope to enhance patients’ independence and freedom of movement. Clinical trials began in 2011 and many patients were able to stand up and walk for the first time since their injuries.
History of Robotics Timeline 