On 11 March 2021, I saw a news report about Exoskeletons; a wearable device that works in tandem with the user to enhance, amplify or restore human performance. Two weeks later, I was off to Royal Rehab in Sydney to have my functions, strength and movement capacity tested. Happily, I met the criteria and qualified to return two days later to see if I actually could work the device and experience the movement of walking via the Australian-first technology – advanced robotics exoskeleton, EksoNR! If I could, it would be a dream come true!
Two weeks after being fitted for the device, my exoskeleton legs and lower back elevated me into the standing position. The ease of movement and standing seemingly freely, upright and solid for the first time in 25 years, took me over. Overwhelmed, I burst into tears. I spoke my feelings through my tears bringing everyone around me to tears also. Mum walked over and wiped my face with a tissue, Dad came next, giving me a kiss…
Next, came the walking and again I broke into tears of joy with Mum wiping my face again. It felt so natural walking, as if no time had passed. Two girls operated the exoskeleton with me, one at my back and the other to my front who read the feedback on the screen, relaying that I worked naturally with the machine and was doing wonderfully for my first time. My left leg was doing most the work so they increased my own input. The right leg needed more assistance, which was understandable as my problem began there. With such great results of the first session, my next exoskeletons sessions were booked and I hoped it would be a gradual path to increased mobility. I hadn’t felt so positive about the future in a long time…
