Rex (Robotic Exo-skeleton) - by Ryan Dubickas - Pearson

One thing I will remember about attending Naidex was when I first saw this product. With a very polished black finish and something I have only seen in computer games and films this product was the highlight of Naidex. This product was a head turner once you heard the exo-skeleton start up and a very familiar sound of robotics moving echoed through the hall. I managed to navigate my way through the crowd and get to the front so I could film a video of this ground breaking piece of technology. I present to you the Rex.

The Rex is a self-supporting robotic Exo-skeleton which was designed and manufactured with a sole purpose of enabling wheelchair users the opportunity to stand, walk, sit and climb. The Rex has been designed and seen as a solution to many life challenges that face wheelchair users. The Rex is a pair of robotic legs linked by a strong hip girdle that enables a wheelchair user to stand up and walk. Rex is very stable even when powered off. Rex is worn outside of the body and designed to support and hold a person comfortably as they move. Rex does not require crutches or a walking frame to use and leaves your hands completely free. Made of strong, lightweight materials the Rex has always been designed with wheelchair users in mind and have had advice from several wheelchair users and health professionals in the development of the product. The Rex can be used by users with a complete spinal cord injury up to the C4/5 level.

Rex looks very sophisticated but is very easy to operate and use. This piece of technology is controlled by a simple keyboard and joystick. It is powered by an on-board interchangeable battery pack. The average length of the battery pack is two hours of continuous walking. It weighs 38kg with the battery attached and is suitable for most users who are between 1.46m to 1.95m. Also it has a weight limit of less than 100kg and a hip width of 15 inches or less.

It is preferable that you are a wheel chair user who can self transfer and have the use of one hand to operate the Rex. It is not essential to be able to self transfer but if you can it is very likely that you will have enough upper body strength required for the balance required.

Each new customer of the Rex has a customised machine built for them and are trained comprehensively for three days in how to operate the Rex by professionals at the Rex centre.

Would you use a Rex and do you think this can help develop more products to help people in wheelchairs?

Below is a video from Naidex of the Rex in use, Enjoy.