Robotic support brings freedom to paraplegics - Tek RMD

[@JohnnyFenceSitter]

Absolutely incredible. As a designer, this is humbling to consider the creators of this have essentially changed life on earth. Literally. Bravo, Tek RMD and Gizmodo for sharing this to the masses.

[@JustMe-te5lt]

Really? FORTY-FIVE THUMBS DOWN!?? Who would give something like THIS a thumbs down!!?? There's just too many MISERABLE people in this world anymore! This is AMAZING!! I'm so excited for the people who are going to be able to use this!

[@BartleDoo1536]

Its about time someone came up with a better idea for a new wheel chair. The classic wheel chair has not changed for ages. Its about time. LOVE IT. Keep up the great work !

[@MisterGerardSarinas]

Incredible! Finally a BETTER way for people with reduced mobility to be mobile! Wheelchairs limit so much what people can do! Love this, please keep up the great work and keep innovating. This is an incredible device and I hope to see it replace all wheelchairs!

[@FilipinoMonkey94]

This is an amazing first step to helping mobilize those who are paraplegic. Of course there will be draw-backs, but this is truly amazing.

[@kyoko703]

My two cousins has muscular dystrophy and require the use of a wheelchair and sometimes the assistance of others. This device would easily help them out from their day to to day life. Great work.

[@Jenniflute_ATLien]

I was quite impressed with seeing something like this. I know of a few people in my life who rely on wheelchairs to get around. Just to see this kind of product becoming available soon to the U. S. is amazing! Hopefully there will be some improvements to this to help spinal cord injury patients who are unable to use both arms. The possibilities are endless with today's technology.

[@caglasevincel]

What a great invention ! This would maintain important contribution to the handicapped, the elderly as well as people with overweight problems. Many thanks :)

[@JedediyahWilliams]

Actually changing people's lives. Really a beautiful application of engineering.

[@ilordvader]

Wow this is Amazing Salute to the people who Invent this & made the effort to build it God Bless

[@0oz]

Oh my goodness this is absolutely brilliant. just make it more sleeker, minimalistic, with stronger materials and power source and this will be revolutionary.

[@AvidRita]

Outstanding alternative to wheelchairs-- I love how the upright brings dignity in standing eye-to-eye contact, as well as increased range of activity at a variety of heights.

[@xdir]

Excellent device, I was a bit concerned about the center of gravity but the way the guy stooped to pick up items form the lower shelf was amazing. The only "problem" is the harness, there must be an easier/faster way of locking the user in.

[@LilRedRasta]

Man...this is amazing! I'm so happy for the people that is going to help! The wheelchair is now on the fast track to becoming obsolete.

[@Gragham77]

In any case, this is a great step in the right direction. Kudos, keep innovating!

[@Yurdacoool]

This is simply amazing! Very proud with Turkish engineers! :)

[@pervertedmind]

This just got FDA approval a few hours ago and can be bought here in the U.S. for 20 grand! With a doctor's prescription! Sweet!

[@jamesstahler]

i want one for my brother daniel. became a quad 3 yrs ago but can use his hands. this would be such a freedom for him and the family would do less lifting. this is the wave of the future. would love for him to be a trial subject in the us .

[@cookgoose34]

"Science"!! invaluable contribution to the advancement and betterment of Human life...

[@thisisatonofbs]

The problem with this device is that the small height of the wheels and the next to 0 ground clearance means that there are a lot of places that a standard wheelchair can get to that this device can't. Try going over a speedbump in a parking lot and you'll bottom out this platform. I forget what the other chair is called, but it is able to lift the person up to standing height, but has larger tires and can go up/down stairs and offroad.

[@MechaBlazeEagle]

Yes, It's definitely amazing! As with all tech it'll be improved, refined & enhanced over time to become even more helpful.

[@osoastur]

Por fin evolución. Normalmente nos conformamos con lo que tenemos sin ir un poquito mas allá. Se me saltan las lagrimas

[@YTDSoM]

This is actually incredible! This can really give people the chance to overcome the lack of their legs. But I'm afraid this device won't be any cheaper.

[@screwyouandyourkind]

Böylesine dahihane bi icada imza atmış olmanız gerçekten gurur verici, tebrikler. :)

[@davoarg31]

El Dr Jerrold Petrofsky ha sido un gran ejemplo de esto...y Jorge Cardile de Argentina ha creado una maquina también, una lástima que haya tanto poder de por medio que solo aprueban un solo proyecto de miles, y no todos van a poder tener acceso a esta maravillosa máquina, sinceramente hay que aplaudir al que la hizo.

[@stjoelawyer]

Being in a wheelchair for more than 35 years I would love nothing more than something like this to be truly practical, functional and affordable. However, I have come to expect that things such as this is the cost way more money than one has, will likely only work indoors and not outdoors office concrete street or sidewalk with "joints" that one must negotiate to go to and from work.

[@Fadsmashers]

The wheel base could definetly be wider, although then you would lose the agility, the only problem is that the big wheels on wheelchairs would allow it to go over bigger bumps and nasty sidewalks, if there ever was a sidewalk without a ramp that would be a big problem which isn't the case with a wheelchair. This still needs some improvements indeed

[@FunnyClaudia]

Wow, this is great! Hopefully it will become available to many, soon.

[@Workway2much]

This is awesome and is a step forward. It is long overdue

[@kwengkynator]

Science and Technology at its purest noblest form. :)

[@george85339]

Just from the looks of it, I can already see how that thing is going to cause major pressure sores. The machine requires pressure to be placed on the soles of your feet, your shins, and your butt in order to stand you up. Without having the ability to relieve pressure by getting off the surfaces and repositioning, it's just a matter of time before one would require medical care.

[@letshavepie]

This will be very good for preventing bed sores and improving circulation. Not sure about how well it will work as a real-world mobility tool for most people.

[@GreenGrid]

first of all i have no idea why anyone in their right mind would dislike this. Secondly the only thing im curious about is how would this device handle steps and elevated surfaces with out ramps?

[@joliemusiclover8935]

Wow I am totally with you burrezito:D ....but negative poseurs aside...this is FABULOUS and I am SO happy for the people whose lives will improve with this great invention : ))

[@Thingamajigs]

This is really, really good. Now they need to work on the devices ground clearance, which is going to pose a problem for street use (Curbs, uneven or disturbed paving, etc)

[@mayavaramguru]

Congrats Mr.Turkish...! Great invention ..!

[@screechowls]

When will this be available on the market? What a great invention. I hope it is available to all who need it.

[@jsnadrian]

This is awesome! So thoughtful - great execution.

[@stjoelawyer]

Not to mention that briefcase, which must carry, the snow, the rain the city where I live make it impractical device.That having been said, for those of it will benefit more power to them.

[@Alex_DeltaDev]

Bout time this was developed, great to see an alternative to the wheelchair!

[@laatschbatch]

I was wondering (and would probably know if I read the comments...) if there was a model for children? And if there is, how young do they go. This would be amazing for my little boy. Congrats on the design and concept of this. This is a technological advance much needed!

[@rcisthedriver]

@123ZanMan Thankyou for your 'stating the obvious' answer. What I mean is what happens if the batteries die in the middle of a shop? or on the pavement? Do you charge it right there? With wheelchairs, even electric ones, you have the ability of disengaging the motors from the wheels so that it can be pushed. My point is that with this design, as great as it is giving people mobility, there has to be system implemented that will allow it to be easily moved without the use of batteries.

[@arbee11]

But even with its flaws (or potential flaws), it ROCKS!!!! To those who developed this, you are Angels! As for my previous post, I'm not bitter, I have come to accept that it is a mad, bad world we live in, for most anyway...

[@zero00tolerance]

Congratulations the future is here !

[@WheelingGamer]

Very interesting. But the question is, how would this work for someone with MD (like myself) who has very limited upper and lower body strength? The part that concerned me is where you have to lift yourself up onto the cushion.

[@MechaBlazeEagle]

Give the inventors time & I'm sure those obstacles will be surpassed

[@hjulben87]

@TheCbowman57 @shindosilver2 Me too. This wont work outside the grocerie store or office. Segway with a wheelchair's sit space in it exists today. Not sure if it they are mass produced or just prototypes though.

[@TheMrTraviesus]

para que estan las rampas de minusvalidos, ascensores y demas accesos para minusvalidos?¿

[@Kodamin2000]

possible problem... looks like it might tip over if it goes up a wheelchair ramp to get into a building.

[@EveChan1804]

I agree with you. But it's a great idea they still should work on to fix those problems

[@isochronous]

Always wondered why I've never seen Dean Kamen's IBOT mobility chair out in the real world. It seems to do everything this chair does, plus it can go up and down stairs.

[@VaporTalk-USA]

They run about 15k. Though I'm sure there are assistance programs available.

[@nicolamp1]

Brilliant idea lets see more of them !!

[@Vivaciousghostonomy]

This looks amazing i would love to get one of these, the only problem is the cost i suspect it would be incredibly expensive so i could never afford one though

[@BewareWeLivin]

As a wheelchair user for 24 years, and at the same level (t7) as the guy in the video, I am almost insulted to see how many people think this device is amazing. Other than being able to reach stuff off a high shelf, this device can not do a single thing better or even equal to what i can do in a lightweight wheelchair. In my chair I can easily accomplish any task of daily living, drive any car I want, and even climb stairs. Plus, I am actually using my own strength not getting carted around.

[@krancky410]

This looks like a great design, but what about using the bathroom? I still think this headed in the right direction!

[@MsHojat]

The main issue I have with this machine is that it is battery powered. For one thing, that increases it's cost by a ton (and eventually may require replacement). Cost aside though, the fact that the user is moving by electric motor means they aren't spending as much energy, and hence not getting as much exercise (which can be unhealthy). This can certainly occur in powered wheelchairs and such too, but the manual powered ones are an alternative, and more common. Some sort of hand-crank powered form for this would be nice (similar to a paraplegic bicycle), but seems like there may be challenges in implementing effectively?

[@Riddla26]

Please don't ever stop developing this or pushing it to adoption. The sheer health benefit of being upright as opposed to sat down is invaluable for millions of people, never mind the enhanced independence this device gives.

[@wind1973]

@TheBananas78 i'm guessing probably he has to get into seating position to get up/down ramps, then stand up after that.

[@DaggerPen]

I think part of it does involve bracing his legs so they can take some of the weight. There seems to be some support from under the back, too. Still, that does seem like a bit of a pain to stand for more than an hour at a time. I'm curious how long most people can tolerate it before needing to sit.

[@trema12345]

This thing looks like it will topple over easily and can't run on anything but flat surfaces. The price would also be huge compared to a wheel chair but its good they are working oin this

[@justjohnny05]

ive been looking for something like for a long time, but I am concerned about it outdoors, on uneven or sloping ground or bumpy ground or edges of curbs.

[@RileyKTT]

I just thought of something with this too though..it'd only be good for the house/apt. There's no way you could load that thing into your car, probably ways a ton. You couldn't take it on a bus...so what good is that?

[@carolcoons6072]

My question is not only the cost? but would insurance help supply this to those that could use it (I doubt it) and can an OLD PARA use it, I've been sitting for 30 years now, I wonder if ones bones would be too brittle after so many years and shatter or break? However it seems too be a wonderful ides, I just wish that they made these things and other equipment easier to obtain for those with limited incomes. Unfortunately many people think we have unlimited resources.

[@walterdpg]

Who does not like something like this?? There are 6 dislikes. I can't believe.

[@Odin7thor]

this looks great, but we've not seen a lot about this device in motion, how does it react when using it on a ramp with some inclination?

[@RileyKTT]

I am in a wheelchair and I've had numerous problems with pressure sores. If I had this device I never would have those problems. If only this was here like ten years ago.

[@MrBubbleKing]

@R0ckMum Its progress though. No need to hate on it. Its good progression to allow easier use for those who cannot use their legs. Sure there might be a few issues to work around but hopefully with further progression they can figure out easier ways, like this, to get around them.

[@nekopunk]

y cómo subes escalones con una silla de ruedas?

[@TheViniLipe]

Elevator is mandatory in almost everywhere nowadays. At least stores, mall, hospitals and etc.

[@idakoosstorevideos]

This looks so good. If it works will be a great support for people

[@willy1986tralara]

pues es como una silla de ruedas en la que te pones de pie... yo he visto cosas muy parecidas ya. y todas suelen ser ultra-caras... y ni en los mejores paises te las cubre la seguridad social...

[@BobBX542]

So, this is great, but I have a question. I have a friend in a wheel chair, and usually when we are hanging out, we'll carry him and his chair up and down the stairs if the place we are at doesn't have a ramp, so, is there anything that would help people get this thing up and down flights of stairs??

[@D1scodav3]

How easy is it to go up slopes? And i can imagine its alot more expensive than a wheelchair....

[@rcisthedriver]

This idea is fantastic, and I really applaud Yusuf for his design and work, but there is one question that I can't help but ask: What happens when the battery runs out?

[@boblawrence232]

I wonder if it will roll on carpet.

[@falconlara]

Wow, incredibly cool device!

[@gcpmrulz]

How much does it cost one of this devices? So awesome to give independence to the person.

[@hildigunnur94]

This needs to come to Iceland !

[@DamplyDoo]

pretty cool. one step closer to personal mechanical exoskeletons

[@AdamYurkunas]

I've been throwing this idea around in my head for years but to be honest I'm not crazy about the design and there's obviously something holding it back since there's still so many wheelchairs out there. Production cost viability issue?

[@micheledawson7388]

My nefew was in a bad truck accident. He's a paraplegic. I would love to know you can get this GREAT device! Can he be a candidate to use the MelENDez! Can any of the cost be covered by Medicaid or Medicare. Or workmans comp.

[@gavrilapaul]

and as you climb stairs?

[@pallinhas]

A mi lo del wc no me ha quedado claro

[@manuelcortezmx]

this is pretty cool, i like it a lot, but they didn't show how it handles ramps, i guess you cant be standing up while going up or down a ramp, i guess you have to be seated, either way i would like to see how it handles ramps...

[@cristian65]

yo he pensado exactamente lo mismo, pero no nos pongamos exigentes... con una silla de ruedas tampoco puede subir escalones... y respecto al resto aportaría mucha mucha libertad a alguien que por desgracia esté en sillas de ruedas... si cada vez que alguien invente algo bueno para la humanidad solo le vamos a ver las pegas...

[@heeden02]

i think its prototype but very good as start and idea , they can ameliorate it with more resource and ideas i think

[@suem53]

Weighs 110 kgs. Can it be "broken down" for transporting. Someone (my carer) will have to be lifting it.

[@MPZRACEVIDEO]

Wow, great...

[@Livianita85]

Los escalones tampoco los sube una silla de ruedas eh, lo que ganan con esto es poder hacer mas cosas dentro de las limitaciones.

[@EcchiBANZAII-desu]

The wheelbase just has to be slightly wider and with bigger wheels. I love the idea.

[@neil78b]

What happens if the battery dies? How much does it cost? Sadly I doubt it will ever surpass the cheap wheelchair in comparison and no need of power. :(

[@JudauVidan]

Thank you engineers.

[@Trevurie]

they are on the right track. sooner or later there will be a slim lightweight very strong exoskeleton. although there is a bulky one...

[@CoronaMage]

I wonder how it handles stairs...

[@aussiejed1]

Every day a little bit closer to an exo-skeleton that will restore full movement... This is awesome.

[@TheCbowman57]

@shindosilver2 I was thinking the same. I wonder if merging it with Segway tech would improve that?

[@bobbybrowny123]

What happens if the RMD flips over?

[@Eleonoretg]

Wonderfull évolution !! Great idea :)

[@BewegteBilderrahmen]

what about trains and busses? wheelchair users already have problems getting onto those and this device seems even more unable to mount anything. (PS: why is dalek coming up in my head?)