A motorised quasi robotic suit could soon be helping disabled people to sit down, stand up, walk about, and even climb stairs.

ReWalk, developed at by Israel-based Argo Medical Technologies, provides user-initiated mobility - using advanced motion sensors, sophisticated robotic control algorithms, on-board computers, real-time software, actuation motors, tailored rechargeable batteries and composite materials.

Users walk with the assistance of crutches, controlling suit movement through subtle changes in centre of gravity and upper-body movements. In addition to simplifying suit control, this user participation in mobility brings tangible health benefits.

Problems with the urinary, respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems, as well as osteoporosis, pressure sores are all common side affects of prolonged wheelchair use. By keeping users upright on a daily basis, and exercising even paralysed limbs, ReWalk alleviates many of the health-related problems associated with long-term wheelchair use.