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Kiwi robo-leg developer makes international strides

Published: 6:39PM Sunday April 08, 2012 Source: ONE News

A Kiwi company that invented the world's first hands-free robotic legs has been flooded with international attention, sparked by a high level Indian politician.

Indian congress leader Ajit Jogi was paralysed eight years ago in a car crash, but last month he took his first steps since the accident on Rex Bionic legs, developed in New Zealand.

Rex Bionics chief executive officer Helen Robinson said Jogi is very happy with his robotic legs.

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"He talks about health benefits and moving forward again with his life, rather than having to be in a wheelchair all the time," Robinson said.

She said it is a big international break for the company, who and are now fielding calls from Dubai and Singapore.

"We were taking additional time slots for people to either use the device or talk with our engineers while they're in India, but they're overloaded so they can't take any more."

About 30 people worldwide already use the bionic legs, which cost $150,000 a unit.

The legs enable users to walk, stand or use stairs.

The company claims they also increase bloodflow and reduce pain.

Gold medal paralympian Dave McCalman became the first person in the world to buy the exo-skeleton 18 months ago.

"It's the ability to be at eye level again, you know and it's priceless," said McCalman.

"You really can't say too much in the words, it was really overwhelming when I first got in them."

The company is now working on a neurological transmitter with Houston University in the US.

"That means removing the need for a joystick and simply the brain telling the device to walk. So you think 'walk' and the device walks," said Robinson.

Rex legs for children are also in development.

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