ARGO Medical Technologies’ ReWalk exoskeleton was one of the cutting-edge Israeli inventions demonstrated to President Barack Obama in Israel during his visit to a session hosted by Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. ReWalk inventor Dr. Amit Goffer, an alumni of the Technion, is a quadriplegic who was inspired to invent the exoskeleton device because of his own personal story and experience.
“It is an honor to have been chosen among many Israeli innovators to present the ReWalk technology to President Obama,” said Dr. Goffer. “This device is already improving the quality of life for many people and we look forward to seeing its continued expansion around the world including in the US where we are awaiting FDA clearance for daily personal use.”
The technology was demonstrated by Israeli Army Veteran Radi Kaiuf and US Army Veteran Theresa Hannigan, paraplegics who can now stand and walk independently with the ReWalk. Sgt. Hannigan served during the Vietnam era and was left paralyzed two years ago as a result of a progressive autoimmune disease.
“I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to demonstrate for President Obama this amazing technology that will benefit the lives of many men and women who have been impacted by spinal cord injuries,” said Sgt. Hannigan, who trains with the ReWalk at the Spinal Cord Damage Research Center at the James J. Peters VA Medical Center in the Bronx, New York. “A couple of years ago, doctors told me I would never walk again, but now thanks to this technology I am able to do anything from standing-up and hugging my family to walking a one-mile road race.”
Since its inception in 2001, ARGO has expanded into a global company with more than 30 ReWalk centers and 220 trained ReWalkers around the world. Most recently they opened a US headquarters based in Marlborough, Massachusetts. ARGO offers two ReWalk models – the ReWalk Personal for use at home, currently available in Israel, Europe and pending FDA review in the US; and the ReWalk Rehabilitation that is now available in Israel, Europe, and the United States.
The ReWalk uses patented technology with motorized legs that power knee and hip movement. It controls movement using subtle changes in center of gravity, mimics natural gait and provides functional walking speed. A forward tilt of the upper body is sensed by the system, which triggers the first step. Repeated body shifting generates a sequence of steps, which allows natural and efficient walking.
About ARGO Medical Technologies
ARGO Medical Technologies develops, manufactures and markets exoskeletons for people with lower limb disabilities, such as paraplegia. The ReWalk exoskeleton suit uses patented technology with motorized legs that power knee and hip movement. Battery-powered for all-day use, ReWalk is controlled by on-board computers and motion sensors, restoring self-initiated walking without needing tethers or switches to begin stepping. ReWalk controls movement using subtle changes in center of gravity, mimics natural gait and provides functional walking speed. Founded in 2001 in Israel, ARGO is today an international company with headquarters in the US, Germany and Israel. For more information, please visit http://www.rewalk.com.
