This Amazing Device Just Made Wheelchairs Obsolete for Paraplegics - Page 1

http://gizmodo.com/5894489/segway+style-device-for-paraplegics-puts-wheelchairs-to-shame/

The young man in this video looks like he's riding a Segway. But Yusuf Akturkoglu was paralized after falling from a horse five years ago, and he's being mobilized by an amazing device invented by Turkish scientists. It's going to change lives.

It's called the Tek Robotic Mobilization Device, and it not only allows people who can't walk get around more independently than any device has before, but it also helps them stand up on their own, which is crucial for maintaining basic health functions in people who have spinal cord injuries.

Crucial Standing Assistance

Instead of entering from the front like a normal wheelchair, people using the Tek RMD enter from the back of the device. That way they don't have to hoist themselves with a momentum that can be dangerous and is next to impossible to do alone. By attaching a thick padded strap around the hips, Yusuf maneuvers himself into the Tek RMD on his own. The device uses a suspension system that balances the weight so he can stand up with just a gentle pull. Standing for an hour or more every day is important for people who have lost movement in their legs; without the weight-bearing effect of standing, they can develop cardiovascular problems, brittle bones, pressure sores not to mention the psychological importance of eye-to-eye interpersonal contact.

Independence

In the video, Yusuf calls the device to his bedside with a remote-control, gets himself out of bed, goes grocery shopping, maneuvers around a bookstore, and even does some things in the bathroom that we thankfully don't observe to completion. But these these abilities that most of us take for granted every day are key to the emotional well-being of paraplegic people. The ability to squat down and easily come back to standing is key. And while standing, Yusef's hands are free to carry groceries or do whatever else he might need them to. Before trying out the Tek RMD, Yusuf, who was a student before his injury, rarely left his home where he lives with his parents.

Smallest Dimensions

The makers of Tek RMD says it's the most compact device of its kind, which allows Yusuf to navigate crowded grocery aisles, libraries, and who knows, Coachella, maybe? All without knocking into the people and things around him. Users still need ramps in place of stairs, but the device eliminates the need for special bathroom stalls and other facilities that allow space for bulky wheelchairs.

The Tek RMD comes in five sizes. and is still undergoing clinical trials. Here's hoping it's on the market stat. UPDATE: It will be on the market in Turkey this week, and the company is looking for outlets in Europe and the United States, where it will cost about $15,000. Here's hoping insurance will cover it.

The price actually seems cheap to me. Looks like someone is going to get rich. Maybe I could become an entrepreneur and open a franchise or something.

Long video though, didn't really watch it all. What a great breakthrough though, for those who are suitable candidates.

That is so exciting! That device will open a whole new world for those suited for it.

Thank you for sharing this info.  Nan

I just thought this was really neat. Imagine being in a chair for years and all of a sudden you are standing and have all that mobility. And Bee they are looking for distributors. Do some research and give them a call.

Sick GSD

Sick? You? Still? 

I should talk to my Dad about this....I even have a cousin who lives in Turkey with her Turkish husband. I could go visit them and do business, lol

I would not wait. These things only come around once in life.

That is awesome!!  Technology can work wonders sometimes!

Since I CANNOT view the video, they did show something like this on Tv last night..For once now a person in a wheelchair can lift himself up and then be on the same level with others that stand. They also showed the ability to also have the lifting device help with movement hat most in a wheel chair never get..up and down motions. It WAS nice to see a man or woman in a wheelchair with no way to reach to the top of their washer to turn it on or open a window about the sink or do things on the same level with people standing... Wonderful invention..Wonder why it took so long as I know police in some crowded cities have the machine with wheels that takes them on sidewalks etc..Would be quite easy to make this , guess it had to be approved before a crippled person allowed to test it.??? My posts are so messed up. .The way I write it doesn't post same..no paragraphs like I wrote it in and I have no header to go by..even the print is not same after it appears.. something strange going on...and only on here...My other dating site has no problem and nothing wrong on it.. maybe the Aliens have landed. YR

Oh my gosh that is awesome! I have a friend that is in a wheel chair from a horse accident!

He told me the only thing that keeps him living, is the hope for a new break thru in spinal cord surgeries, and inventions like this!

I will forward this to him, thank you!