Koens experience in the exoskeleton
Every year, Project MARCH builds an exoskeleton for someone with spinal cord injury. Our team knows all the ins and outs of building an exoskeleton. But what is it like to actually walk in it? Especially when walking is no longer part of your daily activities. To get more insight into that, we asked our pilot Koen about his experiences over the past year.
Our team has known several pilots. These pilots, and so did Koen, came into contact with us through our partner, the Sint Maartenskliniek. This is a specialised hospital that deals with human movement. Among other things, they have a rehabilitation programme for people with spinal cord injury. A possible component of this programme is the exoskeleton the Rewalk. This is a simple exoskeleton that allows someone with a spinal cord injury to take their first steps again.
Like all our previous pilots, Koen also walked in the Rewalk. He was not the biggest fan of the Rewalk as it is an exoskeleton with limited capabilities and made for multiple people. This made Koen quit this after some time.
But eventually he did get into our exoskeleton. This did take some convincing as Koen did not want to experience the same as he did with the Rewalk. Yet when he saw Sjaan, the pilot for Koen, walking in a Project MARCH exoskeleton, he was sold. The possibilities were greater, the exoskeleton ran smoother and it would be made especially for him. In addition, he was very curious to see what the exoskeleton could bring him.
Koen will be our pilot for the second time next year. Last year, he already walked in the MARCH VI exoskeleton. Although the year got off to a slow start because of Corona, Koen really enjoyed it past. 'It was very nice to see a group of students commit to this project for a year.' Partly because of this positive experience, Koen will stay with us for another year.
Koen really enjoyed walking in an exoskeleton. After all, it had been a while ago. 'It felt very natural again, almost like standing up normally.' But Koen wouldn't be Koen if he didn't also have some criticisms about walking in an exoskeleton. For instance, he does not like using crutches, because you still feel a sense of dependence.
What Koen has remembered most from last year is the Reveal of MARCH VI. This was an event where the previous team showed what their exoskeleton is capable of. In attendance were friends, family, partners and press. When Koen walked through the door, the whole crowd stood up and started cheering. Everyone in the room experienced varied emotions from pride to joy. It was a beautiful moment!
As far as Koen is concerned, it is only a matter of time until the exoskeleton for people with spinal cord injury can be used without crutches. Then he would also like to use it in everyday life. Provided the exoskeleton is easy to put on and take off. Otherwise, it becomes too much of a hassle for him. He also envisions that in the future it can be controlled through a smart glass. If it can meet these requirements, Koen envisions the exoskeleton replacing the wheelchair in the future.