Exoskeletons Walk Forward
From: KQED - Quest - 11/15/2011
By: Chris Bauer

Tamara Mena and Austin Whitney are two exoskeleton test pilots we featured in
our story. These two young people were both dealt major blows while in the
prime of their lives. Both were vibrant and active teenagers when each was
involved in catastrophic automobile accidents. Both had to deal with painful
rehabilitations. And both faced a future where they probably would never walk
again. And through that, both remain courageous, upbeat and positive. Where
many might have given up, these two are charging into the future.

The future of exoskeleton technology is marching forward. We saw Austin
Whitney walk across the stage to receive his college diploma. More is
hopefully on the way. Maybe someday soon we’ll also see paraplegics walking
down the aisle at their weddings and walking onto airplanes to fly off on
their honeymoons. Or less dramatically, maybe soon paraplegics will be able
to regain the mundane pleasure of standing at the kitchen counter, making
peanut butter sandwiches for their kids.

Read the entire article and view a video (10:17) at:
http://science.kqed.org/quest/video/exoskeletons-walk-forward/

Links:
Tamara Mena
http://tamaramena.com/

Paraplegic student stands tall and walks at commencement (with videos 2:05 & 0:40)
http://newscenter.berkeley.edu/2011/05/14/paraplegic-student-stands-walks-at-graduation/