http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdK2y3lphmE

Oh God.

It just needs a solar panel to recharge the batteries

If it means (among other things) that the handicapped can enjoy hiking the outdoors -- that's a good thing, right?

"If it means (among other things) that the handicapped can enjoy hiking the outdoors -- that's a good thing, right?"

They've developed a product called 'eLegs' for just that purpose. Very cool.

Prosthetics are outrageous, I can't imagine what eLegs cost.

I want one. I also want a couple of .50 cals somehow mounted to it.

I actually think this is very cool technology but I do wonder how practical it will be in real world scenarios. What kind of terrain can you negotiate? Does it have gyros to keep the load centered as you go up a steep incline? How would someone negotiate a water crossing? Great technology nonetheless.

Prosthetics are outrageous, I can't imagine what eLegs cost.

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Berkeley Bionics reveals eLEGS exoskeleton, aims to help paraplegics walk in 2011

Update: We just got to see the eLEGS walk across stage, and you'll find a gallery full of close-up pics immediately below. We also spoke to Berkeley Bionics CEO Eythor Bender, who detailed the system a bit more -- it's presently made of steel and carbon fiber with lithium-ion battery packs, weighs 45 pounds, and has enough juice to run for six hours of continuous walking. While he wouldn't give us an exact price, he said they're shooting for $100,000, and will be "very competitive" with other devices on the market. Following clinical trials, the exoskeleton will be available to select medical centers in July or August, though Bender also said the company's also working on a streamlined commercial version for all-day use, tentatively slated for 2013.

Full text:

http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/07/berkeley-bionics-reveals-elegs-exoskeleton-aims-to-help-paraple/

Nice, I guess, but shouldn't every piece of gear have multiple uses?

Call me back when it's been re-designed to support my hammock overnight and brew me a latte in the morning. ;-)

I'll stick with my packgoats!

>If it means (among other things) that the handicapped can enjoy hiking the outdoors -- that's a good thing, right?

Yes. I do think that this might be a wonderful thing for certain handicapped people. My snarky "Oh God" comment was in response to my mental image of healthy people turning into Robocop out in the backcountry, hiking literally with the kitchen sink because they can now carry 1,067,896 pounds and not "feel" it.

It's not cool unless you are walking your robo dog .

I sure hope those are titanium =)

Seriously, though, this truly is phenomenal! As opposed to military, my first thoughts are focused more on addressing the psychological aspects of recreation-- allowing those with mobility impairments more readily available access to the outdoors, as mentioned earlier. Some of the main focus questions of my Wildland Recreation classes are: Why do we recreate? Who can recreate? Why should there be physical barriers to certain areas of recreation? Should physical ability be a limiting component of recreational access? etc.

-Clint