Filed Under:Ekso, Ekso Bionic Exoskeleton, Good Shepherd Partners, Paralysis
Engineer Thomas Dwyer stands with the new Bionic Exoskeleton next to Amanda Boxtel during its launch at the Excel centre on October 21, 2011 in London, England. The bionic device developed by Ekso Bionics is a wearable, battery-powered, robotic exoskeleton, designed to aid wheelchair users and those who have suffered from spinal chord injuries to stand and walk. (credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images) Engineer Thomas Dwyer stands with the new Bionic Exoskeleton next to Amanda Boxtel during its launch at the Excel centre on October 21, 2011 in London, England. The bionic device developed by Ekso Bionics is a wearable, battery-powered, robotic exoskeleton, designed to aid wheelchair users and those who have suffered from spinal chord injuries to stand and walk. (credit: Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Good Shepherd Penn Partners demonstrated the Ekso Bionic Exoskeleton, which is a lightweight robot allowing lower extremity paralysis patients to stand and walk.

On Thursday morning, the gadget was presented during a training session for physical therapists and patients where six patients gained early access to the equipment.

This gave some patients the opportunity to walk for the first time in many years.

The ready-to-wear, battery-powered Ekso bionic exoskeleton is strapped over a patients clothing and operated by a physical therapist using a controller.

Good Shepherd Penn Partners is the first facility in the Philadelphia region to offer this technology.

For more information visit: http://www.phillyrehab.com/

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