Berkeley Bionics
Company Location: Berkeley, California, USA
Exoskeleton Name: eLEGS
Significance of Name: eLEGS stands for Exoskeleton Lower Extremity Gait System.
Scientific Driving Force: Dr. Homayoon Kazerooni. Dr Kazerooni co-founded the company in 2005. He is not only the scientific mind behind eLEGS, he was CEO of the company until October 2010. Kazerooni stepped down as CEO and has become chairman of the board, making way for a more experienced businessman to drive the marketing of eLEGS exoskeleton.
Business Driving Force: At present Eythor Bender from Iceland is CEO. Bender previously worked for competitor Rex Bionics.
Control of Exoskeleton: Control of eLEGS exoskeleton is through force and motion sensors. eLEGS exoskeleton uses a gesture-based human-machine interface which — utilizing sensors — observes the gestures you make to determine your intentions and then acts accordingly. In order for eLEGS exoskeleton to operate naturally and respond to your input, a real-time computer draws on sensors and input devices to orchestrate every aspect of a single stride
Weight of Exoskeleton: 45 pounds (20kg)
Maximum Speed: 2MPG (3.2KPM)
Battery Life: Over 6 hours
Motions: Walk in a straight line, stand from a sitting position, stand for an extended period of time, and sit down from a standing position.
Crutches: Required for eLEGS exoskeleton.
Who Can Use: Those who can self-transfer from a wheelchair to a chair and are between 5’2″ – 6’4″ tall and weigh 220 lbs or less.
Launch:
Launch to rehab clinics planned for 2011.
Launch to individuals possible in 2013.
Video
