The United States has authorized the commercial sale of Eve, a personal exoskeleton made by French company Wandercraft. The device helps people with spinal cord injuries stand up, walk and carry out household tasks without another person providing constant physical support.
The exoskeleton can be controlled with a joystick, and one charge lasts up to four hours. In trials, 87.5% of participants completed all the household tasks being tested, including opening doors and preparing food. However, the device is designed only for indoor use on level floors: it is not suitable for stairs, ramps, outdoor use, or wet and icy surfaces.
The exoskeleton does not replace a wheelchair or eliminate paralysis, but it helps a person stand on their own two feet again, quite literally. Being able to walk over to a table or make breakfast may be routine for some, but for someone with limited mobility, it is an important step toward greater independence.
