Radio Taiwan International 
Date: 15 February, 2019
By: Paula Chao

The first bionic legs to be developed in Taiwan have been unveiled. The legs allow the physically challenged, including stroke patients and those with spinal injuries, to stand and walk freely.

The cost for a pair comes to NT$1 million (US$33,000). That’s significantly cheaper than the roughly NT$5 million (US$166,000) needed to buy US or European models.

National Taiwan University Hospital introduced Taiwan’s first bionic legs to the public Wednesday. The bionic legs are a wearable mobile machine consisting of a powered exoskeleton. The legs allow patients to stand and walk without assistance.

To start the device, the wearer sends a signal by pressing a black button on one of the walking sticks. The robotic tool is also able to monitor the wearer’s movement, stopping automatically when the wearer is about to fall or lose balance.    [FULL  STORY]