Amazing technology.  Expect these are expensive, but probably no more so than electric wheelchairs.

Cool - scientists are coming up with some neat new inventions and technologies these days. 

forget aboot the device, where can i get him? :3

if anyone is wondering why there is labia-synching going on during the video, the company is based in Constantinople I Stan Bull

That's really cool...wow!

What a wonderful leap forward in technology..........

Due to accidents of many kinds, paraplegics are often young.

The benefits of more independence and self-sufficiency are obvious.

But also the opportunity for social interaction and connection are priceless.....

Very Impressive.

I think it's great that he is able to look people in the eye, and that he can stand up and sit down almost with as much ease as someone with use of their legs, when using this device..and he can cook in a regualr vs. a retrofitted kitchen.  So often people who use wheelchairs have to look up to people. Rarely do people crouch down, or bring over a chair if possible, to be at eye level with the person using the wheelchair when having a conversation. The self sufficiency aspect may not always be obvious. I used to work at an agency that helped adults with disabilities of all kinds, and even in that environment, inadvertently, things as obvious as reaching things up high--some of the bookshelves for example-- were difficult  for some people, and overlooked when designing the office space, because people without those same challenges forget or don't think of all the obstacles, or just assume someone will ask for help if they need it I suppose--but noone likes to have to ask for help with something like that all the time.  Things are becoming more accessible, but our world is really not set up for it. This will open so many doors for people. I sent this video link to my friend who is quite familiar with mobility devices-she hadn't seen this one yet--but she said something like this would probably cost about $50,000 or more...so it's  highly unlikely to be available for anyone on government assistance, those who would never be able to afford it on their own but could beneifit so much from it!  Hopefully, the price will become more manageable in the near future so it's an option for everyone who needs it.

@ Gecko, they are very expensive because they are new technology - according to the article the cost is $15,000 and looking at one Canadian site that cost is about double the price of an electric chair.  The price will drop as production rises and I hope that they get support for all the reasons highlighted in the video.

I never really thought about the disadvantages of being in a sitting position all the time on physical health - that was an eye opener for me when watching the video.

Eye contact, however, was one area that I was aware of and as Kimmio pointed out I do make the concentrated effort to lower myself when talking to someone in a wheel chair - sadly my old knees can only do that for so long.

For me this is what technology should be about ... making lives better.

My friend was a little off on her price estimate. It's high, but not that high.  I didn't see the price listed anywhere. Where did you find it LB, so I can send it to her? She and her partner both work in related fields.

Kimmio, at the bottom of the article

UPDATE: It will be on the market in Turkey this week, and the company is looking for outlets in Europe and the United States, where it will cost about $15,000. Here's hoping insurance will cover it.

When you think about it that is a small price to pay for an investment in the future.  This device would make it far easier for people to be employed as it literally raises them up and puts them at the same level as the rest of us.

Thanks LB.. I missed that.

next up:  mind-machine interfaces & mobility units for people in persistent vegetative states and no i don't mean couch potatoes :3

not to minimize the tragedy of those in medically vegetative states and such...but maybe couch potatoes could use something like that ;) Although, I myself could benefit from a tele-porter sometimes....lol...be sure to let me know when you've invented it...and tele-port one over to me!

for kimmio

To Inanna,

Some wild stuff. I think I saw him on CBC during the height of the Japan crisis last year. To be serious, I'm not ready for those inventions/ discoveries...it's all very invasive, isn't it? you know what bugged me about him? He thought telling an inquisitve kid to play in traffic was funny and I think he meant it. Kind of ruined what he had to say.

this is great stuff -- capitalism & technology helping people

Innawhimsey, that is indeed incredible.  I predict they will fund the future research with the profits they make from gamers ;-)

*giggle*  Brilliant! :3

Michiu Kaku is a brilliant man when he sticks to his field, which is theoretical physics. I find his social and futurist commentaries to be rather "pie in the sky" at times, though.

Here in Ontario, who gets that device and when once it is approved for Canada is going to depend on whether ADP (the Assistive Devices Program) arm of the Ministry of Health decides to fund it. That's the program that funds mobility systems, respiratory devices, feedings supplies, and so on.

Mendalla

I dream of a world where every person with a spinal cord injury is automatically fitted and given one of these aids.