A pilot study into the use of robotic exoskeleton therapy to improve mobility and cognition in patients with multiple sclerosis has shown extremely promising results. Could, one day, standing robotic exoskeletons replace wheelchairs and scooters for people with significant mobility impairments?
hooked up a robotic exoskeleton to a neural interface allowing the trial participant to control the device with his thoughts.showcased last year.
It is hoped that research like the recent Kessler MS study will contribute to the body of medical evidence underlying procurement decisions. “From an engineering perspective, there are additional levels of complication to achieving this but it’s certainly a goal,” he continues. Regardless of how much either the cost or form-factor can be reliably downsized, one element favoring the rapid development of robotic exoskeletons is that they are increasingly seen as both a mainstream and assistive technology, albeit with very different use cases.