Renowned explorer Mark Pollack, in collaboration with Dublin City University, has helped recently launch a new robotic rehabilitation programme, which allows people suffering from paralysis to walk. The pioneering project involves cutting edge exoskeleton technology for people with reduced mobility due to paralysis through spinal cord injury, stroke, traumatic brain injuries, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. The technology allows individuals to complete sessions of supported walking, facilitated by a trained handler and free of charge.

The programme is designed to deliver an array of health benefits that regular walking provides whilst helping people with paralysis to stand up and walk, aided by a robotic frame strapped to the body.

Mark Pollack has become the world’s leading human test pilot after having become paralysed in 2010 following a fall. He has since taken over 1.5 million steps in the advanced technology. The device itself, which was launched on September 4^th in collaboration with experts from multiple disciplines within Dublin City University is designed and created by US company, Esko Bionics.

The programme is part of a larger initiative at DCU to establish a research centre excelling in robotic interventions in neurorehabilitation. The objective of the research centre is to ultimately transform both the lives and societies of people affected by paralysis through improving the service users mobility, health, and quality of life.

Ronan Hynes, Serious Injury expert commented on the programme that: “Over time, this programme and assistive technology including artificial intelligence has the potential to change seriously injured victims lives and their families in the future by empowering them to become fully independent, live a life without limits and fill a critical gap in rehabilitation services.”

Should you require more information, please contact Ronan Hynes, on 061 432 348 or by email at [email protected].