New Zealand Quadriplegic dons robotic exoskeleton and walks again

May 2, 2011

Dave MacCalman tests the Rex Bionics exoskeleton (credit: Rex Bionics)

After unveiling the world’s first robotic legs last year, Auckland-based company Rex Bionics has made its first sale to Dave MacCalman, a New Zealand Paralympian.

The custom-fitted robotic exoskeleton has allowed Dave MacCalman, who sustained a spinal cord injury diving into a river while in the United States on a basketball scholarship, to take his first steps in more than 30 years.

Dave MacCalman captained the 1992 New Zealand Paralympic team to Barcelona and holds the current World Record for quadriplegic pentathlon.

“It is hard to describe what it has been like to be back on my feet again. I’m six-foot-four so it’s been amazing to experience life from that height again. I’m looking forward to taking my Rex home and being able to stand around and socialize with family and friends,” said MacCalman.