Inspired by the 'power loader' exoskeleton worn by Sigourney Weaver's character in Aliens, Richard Little set out to design and build a pair of robotic legs.
The resulting REX Suits are operated by a joystick that allows the wearer to walk, move sideways, turn around, climb stairs, and exercise.
Exoskeletons are hyped up as devices that will allow the injured and paralysed to walk, elderly and stroke sufferers to remain independent for longer, the military to get more from soldiers, and even turn all of us into mechanically enhanced humans.
They have captured the imagination of researchers across the world, from start-ups to NASA.
A Scots-born engineer, Richard says he was motivated to develop the system after his childhood best friend Robert Irving was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Little and Irving co-founded Rex Bionics in 2003.
Now NZ based, Richard is passionate about using technology and particularly robotics to help people.
Little said it was hard to describe the experience of watching someone stand and walk after being in a wheelchair for years.
"Every time - it doesn't matter how many times you've seen it before - it's very emotional."
Researchers have developed exoskeletons controlled by a non-invasive system linked to the brain, allowing an even wider range of wheelchair users to walk. What’s more, when combined with virtual reality and tactile feedback the systems even appear to promote a degree of recovery for people with paraplegia.
It’s a development that excites Richard, whose team have also been exploring the possibility of thought control with their own device.
Richards latest business, Exsurgo Rehab, has been formed with an experienced medical and technology team to deliver medical devices that will alleviate the suffering and improve the quality of life of potentially millions of stroke sufferers worldwide.
Richard is a multi-award-winning inventor and engineer with many patents to and inventions to his name. In the past, Richard has held a range of Directorships and other senior positions in a range of engineering, military, and medical businesses.
Richard Little is a keynote speaker at NMEC 2017 14-16 November 2017, Hamilton, NZ
NMEC 2017 without exception the very best practical and real learning experience for engineers in NZ.
