Toyota has released a unique device for paralyzed individuals. Video

System Welwalk designed to be worn on one foot for patients who suffered paralysis of one side of the body due to impact or due to infectious diseases

Toyota has introduced a new robotic device for the feet designed to help partially paralyzed people.

System Welwalk WW-1000 consists of a motorized mechanical frame, which is installed on the man’s leg below the knee. Patients can practice Hiking using the device on a special treadmill, which helps to maintain a stable position in space.

According to the statement of Toyota Motor Corp., hundreds of such devices will be leased to medical institutions in Japan at the end of this year. The device will cost the hospital dearly: the entry fee will be $9000 and a monthly payment of $3200.

Eiichi Saito, doctor of medicine and Executive Vice President, Fujita Health University explains that the system Welwalk designed to be worn on one foot for patients who suffered paralysis of one side of the body due to impact or due to infectious diseases.
To illustrate the subjects fixed the device at the hip, knee, ankle and foot, and then demonstrated its potential on a treadmill. The motor was helping to bend and straighten the knee, and the body supported belt insurance. Medical personnel monitored the system using the touch screen.

Japanese automakers to develop robotics and for other purposes. For example, a humanoid bot Asimo from Honda Motor Co can run and dance, pour drinks and carry on a simple conversation, while WelWalk is more a system using robotic elements, and not an Autonomous robot. According to Saito, the device is actually very effective as a therapy and helps patients to recover much faster, so the costs are quite justified.

Similar projects are now being actively developed worldwide. Rechargeable exoskeleton, battery powered, made by the Israeli manufacturer of ReWalk Robotics, allows people using wheelchairs to stand upright and even walk.

Toshiyuki Isobe, chief research Director of Toyota, said that Welwalk reflects the company’s commitment to apply robotics in medicine and other fields of social security, not just for fun. The company also built a R2-D2-like machine, called the Human Support Robot, whose mechanical arm can help people with disabilities to move around on the bed.

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