Rex Bionics
Company Location: Auckland, New Zealand
Exoskeleton Name: Rex
Significance of Name: Rex stands for Robotic Exoskeleton.
Scientific Driving Force: Richard Little and Robert Irving. Both men have mothers who use wheelchairs. Irving has Multiple Sclerosis.
Business Driving Force: Jenny Morel. Morel is a venture capitalist who made an early investment into Rex.
Control of Exoskeleton: Unlike the other exoskeletons Rex is controlled by a joystick, not "sensors". This means that no movement or nerve function is necessary to operate Rex exoskeleton.
Weight of Exoskeleton: 85 pounds (39kg)
Maximum Speed: 11 feet (3 meters) per minute.
Battery Life: Two hours
Motions: Stand up, walk, move sideways, turn around, go up and down steps as well as walk on flat hard surfaces including ramps and slopes.
Crutches: Not necessary with Rex exoskeleton.
Who Can Use: Anyone who can self-transfer and operate a joystick. Users should be between 1.46m (4ft 8in) and 1.95m (6ft 4in), with a weight less than 100kg (220lb) and a hip width of 380mm (15in) or less.
Launch: Currently Rex exoskeleton is marketed in New Zealand. Rex exoskeleton will be available in more countries in 2011.
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