So thinking about perspectives, one of the things that struck me most was the inspiring attitudes of Tamara Mena and Austin Whitney, the two exoskeleton test pilots we featured in our story. These two young people were both dealt major blows while in the prime of their lives. Both were vibrant and active teenagers when each was involved in catastrophic automobile accidents. Both had to deal with painful rehabilitations. And both faced a future where they probably would never walk again. And through that, both remain courageous, upbeat and positive. Where many might have given up, these two are charging into the future.

So put yourself in their shoes and think about what it might mean to be able to stand up and change your perspective. What would it mean to be able to look your friends in the eye, to stand and fully embrace your family again? Think about how the room looked different when you stood up from your computer.

The future of exoskeleton technology is marching forward. We saw Austin Whitney walk across the stage to receive his college diploma. More is hopefully on the way. Maybe someday soon we’ll also see paraplegics walking down the aisle at their weddings and walking onto airplanes to fly off on their honeymoons. Or less dramatically, maybe soon paraplegics will be able to regain the mundane pleasure of standing at the kitchen counter, making peanut butter sandwiches for their kids.

Fantasy? Too much to hope for? It’s all in your perspective.

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Web Extra - Tamara Mena: Exoskeleton Test Pilot

When she was 19 years old, Tamara Mena suffered a debilitating spinal injury that left her paralyzed from the chest down. Today she is working as an exoskeleton "test pilot" at Ekso Bionics, putting this new technology through its paces. Someday exoskeletons like the one she is testing may give paraplegics the ability to stand up and walk. This is her story.

Additional links:
Tamara Mena
Austin Whitney
Berkeley Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory
Ekso Bionics
Tibion | Makers of the Tibion Bionic Leg
The Austin Exoskeleton Project at the University of California, Berkeley
Engineers to help paraplegic student walk at graduation
Berkeley Bionics to launch eLEGS

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