Updated November 26, 2014.

Exoskeleton technology has been around for quite some time but have recently been gaining popularity in the news with their use in the paralyzed population. With origins in the military world, exoskeletons have been used since the 1960s after development by General Electric and the US Military as a way to enhance strength for lifting and carrying heavy objects for long distances. Since then, this technology has evolved not only to include helping those in the military, but also to include those who work on assembly lines doing jobs involving heavy lifting, and those who need assistance from a device to walk (such as those who are living with paralysis).

 

Exoskeleton devices are usually made of metallic and fabric materials that are meant to be worn on the outside of a person's clothing. They are typically battery powered, and the battery is large enough that it must be carried with the person using the device; usually as a backpack or other storage container on the body. The user typically starts using the device in the seated position. The devices generally have settings which allow the user to transition from sit to stand with assistance of the device. Once standing, most devices sense the user's body position so that a lean forward with the upper body produces a step with the device. The exoskeleton is set to a pre-determined speed of walking that can be adjusted is typically slow to prevent the user from becoming out of control. 

There are currently multiple different companies who are working to deliver exoskeleton products to the general population. The only FDA approved exoskeleton device for use in the home and community is one made by ReWalk.

These exoskeltons are currently available for rehabilitation and home use.

Other companies currently approved for research purposes in the area of exoskeltons are Ekso Bionics and Indego. These companies currently partners with many academic associated hospitals to perform research trials with individuals with paralysis and will likely eventually also be approved for home use. 

Here are some frequently asked questions by patients regarding exoskeleton use. 

Who can use an exoskeleton?

Depending on the company, different exoskeleton models have different requirements for a person's level of function and independence, body type, and concurrent medical problems. Basic requirements include the ability to use your arms, hands, and shoulders to manage a walker or crutches, the ability to transfer independently from across a chair, and basic height/weight requirements of around 5'2" to 6'2" and less than 220lbs. Some manufacturers may also want data about a person's bone density prior to use of the device.  

What can I do to obtain an exoskeleton?

People who wish to obtain an exoskeleton for home use are limited to the use of the ReWalk system as it is currently the only system that is FDA approved for the home. There are other ways, however, to participate in the use of these devices through research trials in hospitals. 

The best way to see if there is exoskeleton technology available to you is to ask your doctor or therapist if any research trials are going on near you that you could become involved in. There is a great deal of training for both physical therapists and patients with these devices both in the research and home setting. Should you be able to afford to pay for a device in the home, there are still multiple therapy sessions that you will need to attend prior to actually taking it home to ensure safety with use. 

As exoskeleton technology changes and becomes more affordable and realistic for use outside of research trials, we may start seeing these devices in the community as another way for a person with paralysis to get around.