"I was able to take the Sidekick for a spin around the CES showfloor and it was a truly surprising sensation. The best way I can describe walking with the Sidekick powered on is that with every step forward there's a noticeable upward push from under your heel. It wasn't enough to throw me off balance, but it did feel a bit strange."
"The system consists of two parts: an ankle-worn exoskeleton and a special pair of sneakers that attach to it. The exoskeleton hooks onto the back of the shoe and is secured with a strap around your calf. The battery powered device is equipped with sensors that can detect and adapt to the wearer's gait in order to deliver an extra "boost" with each step."
"The Sidekick has adjustable power levels based on how much help you might need. At the highest level, it definitely felt unnecessarily pushy. The lower levels were still noticeable but felt less disruptive. I just felt... bouncy. Later, when Mooney turned off the power entirely, I noticed that my feet felt weirdly heavy in a way they hadn't just a few minutes before."
Dephy's Sidekick combines an ankle-worn exoskeleton and a special pair of sneakers that attach to the device, securing with a calf strap. The battery-powered system uses sensors to detect and adapt to the wearer's gait and delivers an extra boost with each step. The device offers adjustable power levels so users can choose the amount of assistance. Powered assistance produces a noticeable upward push under the heel and can feel bouncy at lower settings or pushy at the highest. Turning the device off can make feet feel heavier after use. The Sidekick costs $4,500 and targets people with limited walking range or confidence.
Read at Engadget
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