Engineers at the Spanish National Research Council are conducting clinical trials of an exoskeleton for children.
The 27-pound aluminum and titanium device has been developed for use by children ages 3 to 14 who suffer from spinal muscular atrophy.
This neuromuscular disorder results in muscle wasting, leaving the sufferer unable to walk. Children end up bedridden for long periods of time. This, in turn, results in bone and lung problems that can lead to death.
The exoskeleton gets kids out of bed and walking with motors and sensors designed to work with leg muscles.
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