It’s often been said that the science fiction of today becomes the technology of tomorrow. This couldn’t be truer in terms of ReWalk. ReWalk both develops and markets walk restoration devices for people with lower limb disabilities, including paralysis. Not all people are good candidates for this type of technology, but those who are benefit from it greatly. ReWalk’s purpose is to enable these individuals to once again stand, walk and climb stairs, thus giving them the freedom so many of us take for granted every day. These robotic legs make a huge difference in the lives of many people with lower limb paralysis.

The founder and creator of ReWalk is Amit Goffer. The idea for his creation came to him after an accident left him both paralyzed and wheelchair bound in 1997. His own injury inspired him to design a device that would help countless others in a similar situation. He used his extensive background in electrical engineering and coupled that with a strong desire to provide a better quality of life for people confined to wheelchairs. By 2007 first ReWalk prototype was ready to be tested, and since then other models have emerged that are being tested for use.

ReWalk has continually gained in popularity since first becoming available. Two models were demonstrated at the Academy of Spinal Cord Injury Professionals meeting at Las Vegas in September 2010 which created quite a buzz amongst the crowd. The original ReWalk was there along with a newer model called ReWalk-I. It is an upgraded model and boasts many new features a stronger frame for multiple patient use, it’s quieter and height adjustable, and also has a longer battery life. ReWalk-I became available November 2010.

In addition, ReWalk has also made an appearance on an episode of the highly popular television show Glee. Artie Abrams (played by Kevin McHale), a wheelchair-bound student, experienced this phenomenon for himself and was able to walk with the help of these powerful robotic legs.

Who would’ve known that this RoboCop-like device of the movies would eventually help people regain their mobility? It’s crucial that people who are wheelchair-bound realize that many have available to them the technology to help them achieve their dreams of walking again. ReWalk has the potential to change countless lives for the better. The ability to walk again is nothing short of a miracle for those who are wheelchair-bound, and ReWalk can help make it happen.