New Exoskeleton for Children Helps Kids Suffering From Spinal Muscular Atrophy

By: | June 18th, 2016

CSIC

We’ve seen numerous exoskeletons built for adults, but the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) is happy to introduce the world’s first exoskeleton for children.

The 26-pound aluminum/titanium exoskeleton is specifically designed to help combat spinal muscular atrophy in children ranging from 3 to 14 years of age.

Spinal muscular atrophy affects one in 10,000 Spanish children, making it hard for them to walk as their muscles deteriorate over time.

The first exoskeleton for children will enable kids who suffer from the disease to live a longer and healthier life, while also giving them the ability to walk, which would be extremely difficult to do, if not impossible, without the device.

The exoskeleton’s battery reportedly lasts 5 hours and it works by attaching to the user’s torso and legs to mimick normal muscle function.

CSIC

CSIC

Marshall Smith

Technology, engineering, and design enthusiast.

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