A former circus acrobat walks for the first time in years with this prototype exoskeleton
By Reuters
Silke Pan walks for the first time in 10 years with the prototype exoskeleton (Image screen capture from Reuters video)
Thanks to the help of a modular lightweight exoskeleton, former circus acrobat Silke Pan was able to take her first steps in over a decade.
After a devastating trapeze fall 10 years ago, Pan was left a paraplegic. The exoskeleton, known as TWIICE, has allowed her to walk, turn, and even climb steps.
TWIICE is a prototype made by roboticists at Switzerland’s EPFL. It weighs 30 pounds and is made up of two electric motors on each leg that allow flexion and extension of hip and knee joints.
It is a battery powered machine that is controlled by pressing buttons on their crutch handles. A full charge will last up to three hours.
TWIICE could be fitted to different body shapes and is being worked on by roboticists for more improvements.
To view the full video, visit Reuters.
