Call it an exoskeleton or a bionic suit, but for paraplegics, it’s freedom. This innovative device, developed by a quadriplegic Israeli scientist, relies on sensors that anticipate shifts in the user’s balance and translates them into movements like walking and standing. Already available in Europe, the suit had its prime-time debut on an episode of Glee and is being reviewed by the FDA for use in the U.S.
By Charlotte Alter, Cleo Brock-Abraham, Lev Grossman, Andrew Katz, Denver Nicks, Alice Park, Jessica Roy, Katy Steinmetz, Mark Thompson, Bryan Walsh and Christopher Wilson