REX

The REX by REX Bionics is the first commercial powered exoskeleton that can move individuals with complete spinal cord paralysis.  The REX can independently support itself and the weight of the user.  The REX can shift weight from one leg to the other, walk forward and backwards, turn and is even capable of climbing stairs.

There are two types of the REX exoskeleton: REX for Clinical Use and REX P for Personal Use.

There are several dozen REX exoskeletons in use all over the world.

Description

The REX for Clinical Use and Personal Use is the premiere commercial exoskeleton for individuals with complete lower body paralysis.  The REX is designed to be:

  • Self-supporting and secure.
  • Alleviate complications due to prolonged wheelchair use.
  • Developed for Robot-Assisted Physiotherapy (RAP).
  • Elevates users from a sitting position into a robot-supported standing position.
  • Reduces burden on therapists performing standing therapy.

For a while exoskeletons that take full control of the gait cycle where receiving a lot of flack for not being as capable as their variable assist counterparts.  New research findings in the middle of 2016 have demonstrated, however, that devices such as the REX have a place in the medical industry.  It has been discovered that even though the REX moves the rehabilitation participant by itself, it can still provide medical benefits.  Exoskeletons that take full control of the user’s legs are now starting to be used as a stepping stone towards rehabilitation with variable assist robotics.

The REX can be used as a starting point in a medical program for users with severe mobility impairments.   A similar research exoskeleton in conjunction with virtual reality and haptic feedback was also shown to re-activate surviving neural axons for people with complete spinal cord injury.  All of this is in addition to the secondary beneficial effects to standing.

In 2016 the REX for Clinical Use is undergoing evaluations and a new set of clinical trials.

In 2016 REX P for Personal Use is capable of supporting the entire weight of the user and shifting stances.  It is the only powered exoskeleton available for people that lack the necessary residual mobility and/or upper body strength required for standard medical exoskeletons.


Exoskeleton Report articles on REX Bionics.

REX Bionics, 58 Apollo Drive, Rosedale Auckland 0632, New Zealand, website

Exoskeleton Report does not endorse one exoskeleton product over another.  The exoskeleton catalog is purely for educational purposes.  The catalog is meant to provide an easily accessible birds-eye view of the exoskeleton industry, and a quick method to sort exoskeletons by type and purpose.  All prices are approximate and are meant to provide a general sense of the cost of the devices.

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