Nick Willett / Exoskeleton Fund

Nick was severely injured in a vehicle accident in October 2011. He was left a paraplegic at the age of 27.

Nick has gone through rehab and does pretty well for himself. He lives alone, drives, and has the most amazing attitude!

Recently Nick has been asked by a company called SuitX, who make an exoskeleton called the Phoenix to be a test pilot. Nick could roll into SuitX in a wheelchair, and in half an hour he could be standing and walking, thanks to the Phoenix! This is a life-changing opportunity for Nick!

The Phoenix exoskeleton is the world's lightest and most advanced exoskeleton designed to help people with mobility disorders to be upright and mobile. In the clinic, at home, and in the workplace Phoenix has successfully enabled many individuals to stand up, walk about, and speak to peers eye-to-eye.  Phoenix has only two actuators at its hip; the knee joints are designed to allow support during stance and ground clearance during swing. 

 Major features include:

*A modular exoskeleton allowing the user to independently put on and remove each piece.

*Weighs only 12.25kg (27 lbs), affording greater agility.

*A speed of 1.1 miles/hour (0.5 m/sec) has been clocked by a Phoenix user.  However, the maximum speed depends on the individual user.

*On a single charge, Phoenix can walk for 4 hours continuously or 8 hours intermittently.

*Phoenix is adjustable for different size users and can be easily configured to fit individual conditions.

*An intuitive interface makes it easy for users to control standing up, sitting down and walking.

*Phoenix can comfortably be worn while seated in a wheelchair.

Nick must travel from northern Minnesota to California to be a test pilot. Once the Phoenix becomes available for purchase next year, he will be first in line! The funds from this campaign will help make this dream become a reality for Nick!!!