The recent marathon in Poznan
"Wings for Life Polska" inspired me to do some research with regards
to exoskeletons, their application and future. I was really astonished to hear
that there were actually participants wearing them during the run. Of course,
they managed to cover a distance of couple of meters, but still this was their
great victory, as they overcame their disease, disability and were able to take
part in a marathon that was created to help people like them.
Anyway, below there is a link to an
interesting article with regards to exoskeletons. I really hope you will find
it interesting.
I also prepared some questions to
open discussion on the subject:
1. Have you hear about the marathon
"Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and
regulations?
2. What are the pros and cons of
exoskeletons as per the article?
3.
Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the
production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a
decent price for all the people in need?
4. As per the article "Future
directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other
existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation
and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree
with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems
related to exoskeletons usage?
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much
difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteYes I know this marathon but not in Poland but in Sweden that is organised by Red Bull. It is a charity marathon and You can participate from any place in the world you just need an app. After 30 minutes of run car starts to drive 10 km/h and You finish your run when car catch up with you.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
An exoskeleton can strengthen all muscle parts or just some (eg artificial arm). It is used in medicine - as an aid for people who can not move on their own, as well as as an aid for medical personnel involved in the care of persons with paralysis and in other areas (eg rescue, construction) - as devices supporting the carrying of loads in places where heavy equipment has no access, or its use is inadvisable. These are great benefits. The cons are mainly because of technical reason - it is not suitable for every injury and for every person as well as cost.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
Within time t it will certainly be possible, especially in richer countries, I do not think, however, that we will reach the point where it will be a free product for everyone in need, as usually because of greed and because they will still want to earn money from it.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
Like any electrical device, there are certainly many unexplored areas in the matter of impact on human health, if we only talk about their problems with muscles or bones with disable people, then when we talk about the brain it is a very problematic issue. Many factors can occur only after years and can not be predicted in advance.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
There are many inventions, nowadays even two-wheeled wheelchairs are sold, and back in the time even inventing an electric wheelchair was amazing step forward.
Thank you very much for your comment and the precise and short description of the rules and regulations of the marathon mentioned above. I also think that with time exoskeletons production cost will decrease and these appliances will become more accessible for all the people in need. But I also share the view that even in the future they won't be free, because in the end, sadly, business is business.
Delete1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteYes, the last took place on May 5, 4 days ago. This year, the highest ranked Polish representative took the 6th place - men's place, second place - woman. Last year it was a little better! An interesting initiative. The car starts chasing runners. The car will be exactly 18 km/h from 40 km. After 3.5 hours, the car's speed will be 26 km/h and half an hour later it will be 30 km/h. The person who catches the car is eliminated. The best this year was 64.37 km. Congratulations.
Income from the run is intended for research on spinal cord injuries.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
It's hard to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of the device, which allows people, such as those without legs, to walk freely. I don'tt see any flaws here. There are only advantages. I have a friend who lost his leg. He works in a large corporation. His colleagues shed on a professor's prosthesis. Such a substitute for an exoskeleton. Is happy!
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
What to say about exoskeletons. Dentures don't refund in 100%. These aren't cheap things, and they will not be. I'm sure. Maybe with time ... hmm
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
There used to be mechanics. Then the mechanics joined with the electrics and then with the electronics. That's how it will be here. The mechanics alone aren't enough. It must be combined with control systems. Man has one brain control system. Exoskeleton too? must have.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
Of course! Many companies are wondering how to make life easier for people with disabilities. Take the dawn signal and biper at the pedestrian crossing facilitation? Of course! Balls on the platform at the metro station. And other. Not every invention must be expensive, expensive and sophisticated.
Thank you very much for your comment. I focused so much on more complicated inventions that I forgot about the simple, basic and indeed very useful ones. It's really great that you brought them up!
Delete1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of it before. I have now read about its assumptions and I think they are very interesting. The fact that there is no fixed finish is a great variety and additionally thanks to the money from the marathon charity goals are supported.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
Exoskeletons can be used in treatment and rehabilitation, but must be tailored to the individual patient. There are different brands whose designs differ drastically from each other, the gait parameters must be taken into account and the conditions under which the equipment is to operate. Also lack of appropriate hand grip may eliminate a considerable number of population from benefitting from this technology. Exoskeletons may facilitate waging the war on obesity syndrome after SCI (Spinal cord injury) by helping to decrease sitting time, increase level of physical activity and improve parameters of body composition after SCI. One of the current problems is also the cost of purchase and its financing.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
I think that with the development of technology, the costs should decrease. The emergence of more companies producing exoskeletons will also have a positive impact on the situation. I also think that for people for whom this type of device can significantly increase the standard of living this purchase should be subsidized.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
If the combination of these technologies allows for easier and better handling of exoskeletons, they should be developed together.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
I cannot give you any concrete example now, but nowadays there is a great deal of emphasis on creating technologies that make life easier for people with disabilities. I think it is a very positive trend and will allow people who previously had problems with basic everyday activities to enjoy their lives to the full.
Great comment! I also think it's a very positive trend that more and more companies try to make life of disabled people easier. They shouldn't suffer from the fact that their impairment limits them in any way.It's really comforting that more and more people are aware of their problems and try to find solutions improving their quality of life.
Delete1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteThe difference between Wings for Life and others is that there is no methadone in them. The competitors are followed by a car that sets off half an hour after the last of the competitors. In Poznań, Michał Kościuszko was driving the car chasing the runners. The car starts at a speed of 15/h, and after three hours it moves at a speed of 20/h. Each of the runners must leave the route when overtaken by the car. The race ends when the race leader is caught by the car.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
An exoskeleton is a special form of robot. It is a mechanical-electrical structure, which is put on the wearer in the image of a suit and attached to the various parts of his body in order to support the movement of the wearer by the exoskeleton's actuators. The above definition provides interesting possibilities for the exoskeleton to be used in the rehabilitation and care of patients, both by the medical staff (in a supportive mode) and by the patients themselves. The biggest disadvantage is the cost.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
Technological development opens up a number of new, unprecedented opportunities. Restoring the cognitive and motor functions of the patient requires the use of more and more advanced technologies. Over time, the price will decrease
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
The exoskeleton, by recognising the user's intention to move and assisting in its execution, may supplement or, in some cases, replace that deficit. Importantly, each person (potential exoskeleton user) has a limited resource of natural (or near-natural) patterns of movement, which enables their acquisition, identification and initial programming in the exoskeleton.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
I think that an interesting and powerful invention is the transmission. This is a very practical development that can significantly improve the comfort of wheelchair users with disabilities. The invention is based on the use of an original transmission mechanism, similar to that used in the so-called planetary gears, in both wheels of the wheelchair. The installed gear ratio makes it possible for a disabled person with little effort to set a high speed for a wheelchair, the mechanism ensures full control of the wheelchair.
1. Unfortunately, I hear about it for the first time.
ReplyDelete2. Exoskeleton is designed to support all or selected parts of muscles. It is used in the case of rehabilitation or paralyzed people. In addition, it is used, for example, on construction sites where it helps people carry heavy loads. The disadvantages are primarily the cost and the fact that the exoskeleton can not be used for any type of injury.
3. If over time many companies producing medical equipment will be more favorable to patients it is for sure. However, such things were always expensive, be it exoskeletons, prostheses or specialized drugs. Often the cost of producing such things is not that high, however, the corporations earn money because they know that people need it and buy it for every money. The question is whether a country will at least partially refund the purchase of exoskeletons.
4. I think that this is the most right direction. Many disabled people are paralyzed, for example, from the waist down and if the exoskeleton allows them to walk, the steering must come from a different part of the body than the hands, so it would be comfortable to use. Therefore, the use of a brain-computer interface seems to be an ideal solution in such cases.
5. Recently, a lot of people are "switching" from ordinary wheelchairs to electric ones. In addition, in the public space more and more things are designed so that people with disabilities can freely use them, for example, pedestrian crossings. In addition, elevators are installed, e.g. at railway stations.
Thank you very much for your comment. You brought up a very important matter, the need for the country to refund the purchase of exoskeletons or other specialised equipment making disabled people life easier and more comfortable or even sometimes life-saving appliances. I find it really sad that we live in times and in a country where it's almost impossible to obtain such refund. Taking into consideration the huge amounts of money that are being taken from people's salaries on a monthly basis, it shouldn't be the case. The equipment should be refunded partially or be totally for free. People shouldn't be asking for other's people mercy and use crowdfunding websites or seek foundations assistance, they should received all the help they need from the country that they are financing and sponsoring their whole life through.
Delete1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, I haven’t heard about it. However, I am preparing for this year's half-marathon in Warsaw.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
There are many listed pros and cons in the article. I will mention only the most important in my opinion. The most important disadvantage is the possibility of using the exoskeleton only by people who meet certain requirements such as: body weight, joint flexibility, appropriate SCI level. The most important advantage is increased activity of people with disabilities.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
Of course, it is possible. Every new technology is expensive at the beginning. It takes time for it to become cheaper. I suppose that soon this technology will be available as currently wheelchairs for people with disabilities.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
I agree with this statement but I don’t think it will help a lot. It is just a premise based on the directions of development of this technology. In my opinion it is a good direction of development but certainly not the only one. The exoskeleton should be introduced to the market in the basic form without expanding its possible applications.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
A more breakthrough invention than an exoskeleton would undoubtedly be the possibility of reconstructing the damaged nerve core. Research is carried out in this direction. Then no exoskeleton will be needed :)
You are so right. The possibility of reconstructing the damaged nerve core would be of greater value than all the exoskeletons and wheelchairs every invented. I really hope that soon it will be possible, because no appliance can really take over the role of our own spine and pair of legs.
DeleteHello! Exoskeletons are an interesting and emerging topic in the context of an ageing society. According to your questions:
ReplyDelete1. I haven't heard about the marathon "Wings of Life Polska", however, a quick look on the website gave me an insight about its assumptions. The Catcher Car is a nice feature! It is a vehicle that starts with a 30-minutes lag and once it catches you, your marathon is over.
2. The article mentioned that robotic exoskeletons may prove an attractive rehabilitation tool not only to restore locomotion but also to improve the level of physical activity years after injury. What is more, they can decrease seated time, increase standing and walking time as well as social engagements with family and friends. Decreased sitting time is likely to ameliorate several of the health-related consequences that negatively impact this population.
3. I think yes, but they need to find a wider market or enhanced military purpose, so its production could go on a massive scale.
4. I think, right now, BCI is such unmature technology that it should not be considered as a blocker for exoskeleton improvements. In my opinion, if only we could plug in into working axons that are responsible for direct muscle control, we have to use them because they would be much faster in learning (on the matter of conscious control) of a new limb, than direct-brain signal extraction.
5. I think that eye-trackers could be a good example of affordable technology that could improve disabled people's live in the field of communication and digital independence.
I also really like the idea of the Catcher Car. This feature makes the marathon really unique. Though I heard that during the marathon the runners had some problems with returning to Poznań after having been caught by the Catcher Car. There weren't enough buses prepared and there were traffic jams and some runners had to wait more than hour to get into such a bus and return to the city centre. The marathon was held mainly outside Poznań.
Delete1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I never heard about this marathon but I think it’s a very good idea to organize a marathon for people who have disability. I don’t know any rules and regulations.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
Exoskeletons are efficacy in cardiovascular health, energy expenditure, body composition, gait parameters, level of physical activity and quality of life. The robotic exoskeletons may decrease seated time, increase standing and walking time as well as social engagements with family and friends. The cons of using exoskeletons are low walking speed, problems walking in ambulation on muddy, pebbles, rainy and/or snowy terrains.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
I think yes. Technology is still growing. The price could be lower if many companies interest in this product and build it’s own exoskeletons. Governments could reduce cost giving some money for buing exoskeletons. Mayby when companies change materials used to build exoskeletons then the price will be lower.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
I agree with this statement. Technology is growing fast. Combination of many solutions could give a good result. We need to think about it and choose a better option. Some solutions could be dangerous to use.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
Yes, I do. This could be a brain-computer interface that helps people that couldn't speak write words on the screen. I have found interesting video that shows how this method work.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rma2JDQaY1I
Thank you very much for your comment. Indeed, the brain-computer interface that helps people that couldn't speak write words on the screen is great invention. I guess it even makes more difference than exoskeletons because it helps people, who were prisoners of their own body, finally speak up and communicate with other people. Imagine that you cannot speak, you hear everything, you understand everything, you have so much thought to share, but you cannot, as you're not able to utter a word. It must be the most terrible feeling in the world. There's nothing worse than to be prisoner of one's body and mind.
DeleteI haven't heard about the marathon. I've checked that it has no specified distance or time but participants can run for as long as they're not overtaken by a special car that starts 30 minutes after runners and moves along the track.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the article exoskeletons can help during rehabilitation, but the main limitations are safety concerns. To control an exoskeleton one needs to have reasonable hand functions, so all patients whose manual functions are affected by an injury or disease aren't eligible for using exoskeletons.
Production cost could be reduced by mass production, so the solution would have to be implemented in many hospitals or rehabilitation centers. Also, when all the benefits will be proved over time, it's possible that exoskeletons will be founded from the public money.
Regarding other inventions, I've seen articles about bionic arms - artificial limbs that can be controlled directly by patient's nervous system.
1. No, I haven't heard of it. Glancing at the rules, it seems like fun to participate. Even more if there is a chance to see new medical tech in action.
ReplyDelete2. Main pro is obvious: helps with rehabilitation for people with SCI. Cons being for example risk of skin shear by the straps, or relatively slow speed which might cause problems when interacting with people who does not use exoskeleton.
3. It is possible to lower the production costs, but it won't make them available for decent price - most people are ready to pay very high price for being able to move again, and so that price will be charged. On the other hand, if exoskeleton would become commodity, used by both healthy (but lazy) and disabled, the final price might really went down.
4. I think yes, the path from thought to execution of the movement is long, and those technologies would allow people with wider range of injuries/diseases to benefit from exoskeletons.
5. I don't know, maybe better BCI for use with prostheses? And all the components that contribute to the final products: better batteries, faster and more precise actuators, better sensors.
1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteYes, I've heard about this undertaking, but I do not know all the rules in this marathon.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
The article shows that the advantages are, among others: safety and efficiency, assembly and disassembly time, increase in activity in patients. The more important disadvantages are: the speed of the exoskeleton, maladjustment to all patients due to, for example, obesity, especially the purchase price of such an appliance.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
The price of exoskeletons is currently at a very high level due to the small number of companies involved in their production. If it were to increase government funding for these purposes, the work could accelerate and the production and operation costs would drop. Moreover, it is not possible to access such modern technology in medicine everywhere.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
In my opinion, yes, because the central nervous system is responsible for the work of all the muscles of the body. An interesting solution would be to connect the exoskeleton to the brain-computer interface. There is a chance that the exoskeleton would be fully effective.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
A cyber eye is a tool that deserves attention (c-eye). It is a Polish invention that serves "to communicate with people in a state of minimal awareness, a state of being closed, completely infested, which can barely move" (https://pomorska.pl/cyberoko-ktore-pozwala-chorym-mowic-jedyna -furtka-przez-ktora-moga-komunikowac-sie-ze-swiatem-zewnetrznym / ar / 6474084 - access May 2019).
1. Unfortunately I never heard about that.
ReplyDelete2. Pros: Exoskeletons can be used in treatment and rehabilitation.
For now main cons are the price and availability, in addition, there are some sort of treatments in which you can’t use them.
3.The more research and the companies are involved in this, the lower the price is.
4. I think that any of further developments and improvement of this idea is good.
5. The most popular invention I know is speech synthesizer for Stephen Hawking, which was helping him in communication. I read that the synthesizer could be improved later, but Hawking recognized the robot's synthetic voice as its own and refused to change it.
1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations? Unfortunatelly I haven't heard of it.
ReplyDelete2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
Exoskeletons can help during rehabilitation but thee is a safety concern.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
As product which could help people in their rehabilitation I think government should invest and help people with needs.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
Many disabled people are paralyzed brain-computer interface seems to be an ideal solution in such cases.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
Technology has always lent a helping hand for people with disabilities such as visual impairment, speech impairment, people with motion disabilities or disorders. for example Talkitt is an innovative application to help people with speech and language disorders to communicate with someone else. UNI is a two-way communication tool for the deaf using gesture and speech technology. This tool works by detecting hand and finger gestures with its specialized camera algorithm, then converting it to the text in very short time to provide meaning of a given sign language.
ReplyDelete1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
No, I haven't heard about it but the idea is interesting.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
The main pro is to help patients in reabilitation. The con is that they have to have fully healthy heands to run the robot. ANother con is the price.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
Maybe if they will find a supplier that will sell materials for smaller price. However I think the the most expensive is know-how in this case. In that case they should find some donation to cover part of expenses.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
Yes, I think they should used the invention that were developed so far and improve ther skeleton.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
I think that inventions that speak for disabled people are the good examples.
1. Have you hear about the marathon "Wings for Life Polska"? Do you know any of its rules and regulations?
ReplyDeleteI have never heard about this maraton, but the idea looks both very interesting and quite challenging. According to the information I found on the web site of the Marathon, the man who took the first place managed to run more than 55 km. The fact that all the Money collected will be used for charity is also very good.
2. What are the pros and cons of exoskeletons as per the article?
Exoskeleton has multiple advantagesas it the the device that can help many people e.g.: severely deseased persons, who cannot move, or the professions where additional strength or precision are needed. The possibile disadvantages of exoskeleton could be its cost, which is very high, and high requirements towards its reliability since lives of one or many people can depend on the way the exoskeleton works.
3. Do you think that it's possible to overcome the problem of the production cost of exoskeletons? Is it possible to make them available for a decent price for all the people in need?
As I think, decrease of price is usually related to increase of production scale. In other words, the things that are produced by wide range of companies for extensive market may become cheaper due to competition nature of market. An advanced exoskeleton designed for disabled people only, on the other hand, is the product, which has fairly limited target group. To my mind, developing simpler exoskeletons, which can be used, e.g., by elderly people as well, could possibly make the price cheaper.
4. As per the article "Future directions highlight the need to use exoskeletons in conjunction with other existing and emerging technologies similar to functional electrical stimulation and brain-computer interface to address major limitations". Do you agree with this statement? Do you think that this is a good direction to deal with problems related to exoskeletons usage?
An exoskeleton does need a reliable source of control signals in order to utilize it at full scale. Depending on the exact situation, the role of the said source can be played by various systems of human body, e.g.: muscles, peripheral neural system as well as brain. The last approach has to be used in the cases, when all other ways cannot help: when peripheral neural system is damaged, and muscles cannot operate. But, along with the fact, that brain remains the last possible source of steering signals for paralyzed people, its signals are very hard to decode and use in a brain computer interface. So, yes, from my perspective, BCI is the only way to help completely paralyzed people to regain mobility, but this way is the hardest to go, as brain potentials are extremely hard to classify with high accuracy needed for controlling an exoskeleton.
5. Do you know any other inventions that can make so much difference when it comes to disabled people's life?
One of the most impressing news from the world of science is the story of two conjoined twins, who share a part of the brain, so one can literally feel what the other feels and see what the other sees, but they still have individuality and independence of thoughts. According to the literature, this fact means, that direct transition of brain signals, or simply saying, thoughts is possible, so, theoretically, in future some device implementing this functionality can be invented.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteActually the article was especially interesting for me, because I sometimes take part in organized running events. But, this one mentioned in the article, is extraordinary, indeed. So, I’ve read about it and I know the rules. However, answering questions this time was difficult, maybe because of many medical terms in the article.
In the article they mentioned two areas taken into consideration for practical reasons:
- the design prospective - referring to safety concerns, fitting time and speed of exoskeletons,
and
- the health prospective referring to factors similar to body weight, physical activity, pressure injuries and bone health.
The prons of exoskeletons:
- efficacy of exoskeletons on cardiovascular health, energy expenditure, body composition, gait parameters, level of physical activity and quality of life,
- an attractive rehabilitation tool not only to restore locomotion but also to improve the level of physical activity years after injury,
- decreasing seated time, increasing standing and walking time as well as social engagements with family and friends,
- facilitating waging the war on obesity syndrome after SCI by helping to decrease sitting time, increase level of physical activity and improve parameters of body composition after SCI,
- improving parameters of body composition as indicated by decreased fat mass and increased fat-free mass,
- facilitating natural recovery over encouraging compensatory techniques of using trunk muscles following SCI,
- inducing pressures ranging from 80-120 mmHg while performing upright locomotion.
The basic con of exoskeletons is the cost, “prohibitive and may interfere with accessibility in the developed countries as well as less developed parts of the world”.
And referring to the cost, I strictly believe it will be possible to decrease this, it always work like this: the invention is expensive in its first models, later other inventors produce it cheaper and make it more popular. This is standard path and all the entities involved have business to take part in that.
As for the statement cited from the article, I don’t exactly support such attitude, but I am afraid we have no choice, because this is inevitable future. We should accept the reality like it is, with the trends like that, coming from technology development and inventions being discovered all the time.
Referring to last question, I am not so familiar with those techno-medical news dedicated especially to disabled people. But the article and the problems mentioned were extremely interesting for me, so thank you for that.
br, marta