An Israeli company has released new technology that gives paraplegics and people with spinal injuries the ability to walk again, bringing hope and relief to many thousands.

FDA Clears ReWalk Exoskeleton

In June of 2014, ReWalk was cleared by the FDA for clinical use:

Marlborough, MA—June 26, 2014 — Exoskeleton leader ReWalk Robotics announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared the company’s ReWalk Personal System for use at home and in the community. ReWalk is a wearable robotic exoskeleton that provides powered hip and knee motion to enable individuals with Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) to stand upright and walk. ReWalk, the only exoskeleton with FDA clearance via clinical studies and extensive performance testing for personal use, is now available throughout the United States.

The FDA has issued a marketing clearance for the ReWalk, which was granted via a rigorous de novo process that involved multiple clinical studies demonstrating safety and effectiveness of the technology.

First Insurance Company Signs On

More recently, a major German insurance company agreed to provide reimbursement coverage for the technology, laying the way for other companies to do the same.

YOKNEAM ILIT, ISRAEL / BERLIN, GERMANY / MARLBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS, September 23, 2014–ReWalk Robotics Ltd. (Nasdaq: RWLK) (d.b.a. Argo Medical Technologies in Germany) announced today that a major German insurance company is the first to reimburse a ReWalk system for Personal use.  ReWalk Robotics has been working with insurers across the globe on reimbursement policies for its exoskeleton technology.

“ReWalk is a revolutionary product that is changing people’s lives.  This announcement is a significant development for people with spinal cord injury (SCI) who wish to own an exoskeleton system, and a major milestone for our company.  We are thrilled to see our efforts to secure reimbursement for ReWalk exoskeleton systems with insurance providers coming to fruition,” said Larry Jasinski, CEO of ReWalk Robotics.  “We believe this favorable decision by one of the largest German insurance companies is a sign of progress in developing standard reimbursement policies for exoskeleton technology for those with spinal cord injuries around the world.”

Now for the exciting part. You can view the exoskeleton in action.

Credit: ReWalk

Israel – Land of Innovation

This is but one of many hundreds of different innovations that are coming out from the brilliant minds in Israel. No matter how much the land is persecuted against by the rest of the world, Israel continues to thrive. Of course, when you live in such a beautiful and inspiring land, creativity comes naturally. To get into the Israeli spirit, we recommend that you download our free e-book – The 10 Top Places in Israel.