Posted on 04/12/2009 10:05:18 AM PDT by Askwhy5times
Wearable "chariot" offer hope for amputees and mobility challenged
This invention offers great hope for amputees and people who have mobility issues. They would be able to move around in an upright position. And it looks very cool. Hopefully, this product will be available soon. Video is here Wearable chariot
(Excerpt) Read more at bluegrasspundit.com ...
Very!
I have to wonder how much more difficult it would be for a person who may not have full use of his legs, as the guy in the demo obviously does.
Seems ironic that Dean Kamen, inventor of the Segway, chose to go after the mass market rather than specializing in this application where so many of his other inventions have been successful.
Socialism/Communism will end the development of all advances like this for ev everyone who needs it.
This device appears to be a logical progression from the Segway scooter. For amputees, it would require a custom sort of saddle, but it would be great for ballroom dancing.
Not so great for climbing steps. But then, the mobility impaired and amputees already cannot do that.
Until the batteries go dead. But then, that is already a problem with power wheelchairs and mobility scooters (both of which we have at our house).
Interesting but the market I see would be rather small. Most young amputees can be fit with prosthetics eminently more functional than this. Older amputees such as those who lost limbs due to diabetes would find it problematic to use the hip control devices. Same thing for paraplegics. I’ve seen similar device prototypes that double as an electric wheelchair but will elevate to a standing position that seem more practical.
Neat idea for the few that could use it though.
Stairs?
What if he drops his briefcase? How does he bend over to pick it up?
What if the thing falls over? That’s a long way to fall. Serious injuries will result.
I think a wheelchair still beats it.
What if he has to take a leak?
It comes with it’s own plumbing/s
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