Paralysed man walks again thanks to Robocop-style exoskeleton

Radi Kaiof, 41, now walks down the street with a dim mechanical hum as the system moves his legs and propels him forwards.

Radi Kaiof walks using an electronic exoskeleton. It is due to go on sale in 2010

'I never dreamed I would walk again. After I was wounded, I forgot what it's like,' the former Israeli soldier said.

'Only when standing up can I feel how tall I really am and speak to people eye to eye, not from below.'

The device, called ReWalk, is the brainchild of engineer Amit Goffer, founder of Argo Medical Technologies, a small Israeli high-tech company.

Something of a mix between the exoskeleton of a crustacean and the suit worn by Robocop, ReWalk helps paraplegics - people paralysed below the waist - to stand, walk and climb stairs.

The device will allow many wheel-chair bound people to stand

Goffer himself was paralysed in an accident in 1997 but he cannot use his own invention because he does not have full function of his arms.

Radi Kaiof can even walk up the stairs using the system

The system, which requires crutches to help with balance, consists of motorized leg supports, body sensors and a back pack containing a computerized control box and rechargeable batteries.

The user picks a setting with a remote control wrist band - stand, sit, walk, descend or climb - and then leans forward, activating the body sensors and setting the robotic legs in motion.

'It raises people out of their wheelchair and lets them stand up straight,' Goffer said.

'It's not just about health, it's also about dignity.'

Kate Parkin, director of physical and occupational therapy at NYU Medical Centre, said it has the potential to improve a user's health in two ways.

'Physically, the body works differently when upright. You can challenge different muscles and allow full expansion of the lungs,' Parkin said.

'Psychologically, it lets people live at the upright level and make eye contact.'

The ReWalk is now in clinical trials in Tel Aviv's Sheba Medical Centre. It is due to go on sale to the public in 2010 and will cost around £10,000.