On April 13, Kenai (Ala.) Spine performed a demonstration of a new exoskeleton bionic robot, according to the Peninsula Clarion.
Here are five highlights:
1. The demonstration was presented by Richmond, Calif.-based Ekso Bionics.
2. The bionic robot, called the Ekso GT, is a robotic suit that allows patients that have suffered a spinal cord injury, brain injury or stroke to walk again while building up endurance and strength of what power is remaining after the injury.
3. Matt Cuellar, regional sales manager for Ekso Bionics, said the world is still in the infancy stages of development of exoskeletons in general, but in theory, he hopes the device might one day replace wheelchairs.
4. The specific product demonstrated at Kenai Spine is for clinical use only in physical therapy and rehabilitation departments of hospitals and rehabilitation centers nationwide and around the world.
5. Currently, the Ekso GT, priced at $180,000, is in use at about 150 centers worldwide.