Hyundai H-MEX Exoskeleton: Boon for Paraplegics

Hyundai H-MEX Exoskeleton: Boon for Paraplegics

Hyundai which is mostly known for cars but this time it’s not their car that creating the buzz. It is their gadget known as H-MEX Exoskeleton reason behind the buzz. This year at the CES, Hyundai puts emphasis at the self-driving or driverless concept car but the real innovation is H-MEX Exoskeleton.

What is H-MEX Exoskeleton?

H-MEX Exoskeleton is a type of wearable suit, while wearing the suit paraplegics can walk as well as climb stairs. The users still needs to use the walking canes, the canes have buttons to control the suit and make the suit to take a step to walk, sit or climb. Max speed is 2.5km per hour and the rechargeable battery can deliver power for 4 hours on a single charge. This device seems like a boon for paraplegics which give them a chance to walk again.

It looks like an old-style leg braces and user have to carry bulgy battery on their back. Exoskeleton is adjustable to fit any user.

What So Special About H-MEX

Hyundai is not the first company to create exoskeleton but their vision to make it more accessible and affordable to larger audience is appreciable.

The H-MEX (Hyundai Medical Exoskeleton) not only allows people paralyzed below waist to walk but also improves their blood circulation. It can be used in rehabilitation for patients with spine injuries.

Hurdles Ahead

H-MEX is actually in the developing stage so it’s likely to take some time before they are available commercially. Model shown in the CES were just the prototypes. They have just started doing clinical trial with the goal of getting FDA certification in the United States and that doesn’t seem to get the certificate before 2018.

I must say it is not for everyone, users must not be shorter than 5 foot 4 inches. Price of this device is not announced yet.

Hyundai is not the single company in this segment there are other companies like Rex Bionics, ReWalk (RWLK) which give H-MEX tough competition. ReWalk was the first company to receive FDA clearance for personal and rehabilitative use in USA.  ReWalk Personal has a least price of $77000, which is really expensive. But Hyundai may not keep its’ device that costly.

Hyundai has also developed H-WEX, which gave extra support to back and designed particularly for factories worker with the help of this device workers can lift heavy objects.