This exoskeleton enables paralysed people to walk - for a relatively low price. Designed by California-based SuitX, the Phoenix costs $40,000 (£28,300), half the price of similar step-aiding frames. At 12.2kg, it's also half as heavy as its competitors. SuitX founder and Berkeley engineering professor Homayoon Kazerooni, 59, says the secret of the Phoenix's slimmed-down structure - and cost - lies in its ability to mimic humans.
Most exoskeletons have motors powering each joint, but the Phoenix features only two motors at the hips. Actuators at the knees have been ditched and replaced with hinges that stiffen when its wearer stands and loosen when their legs are swinging. "The human knee doesn't need to use power during walking. The Phoenix walks organically," says Kazerooni.
An Android phone can manage the frame's movements. "This way, doctors can adjust the exoskeleton's speed and gait. They can also see the history of how the users walk," he explains.
The Phoenix is not intended as a wheelchair replacement: it has a limited speed (approximately 1.8kph) and range (around four hours per charge), and is unable to assist in power- intensive tasks such as climbing a staircase. What it does offer is accessible freedom. Kazerooni, currently working on Phoenix 2, says that his main focus will continue to be reducing weight and price. "Speed is not an issue for me; functionality is. I want to create affordable exoskeletons that walk smoothly."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
