U.S. trials of paraplegic device under way in Pa.

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A Pennsylvania rehabilitation hospital has started the first U.S. clinical trials of a motorized robotic suit that uses computer sensors to help paralyzed patients stand and walk.

It’s called “ReWalk” and it’s being tested at Moss Rehabilitation Hospital in Elkins Park outside Philadelphia.

Developers say the device can help paraplegics stand up and walk when they lean forward and move their upper body in different ways. Users must have use of their hands and shoulders to operate it.

The eight-week trials will involve about a dozen patients in all and take roughly a year.

ReWalk was developed in Israel and has been tested on wounded soldiers there.