Robots will lend a helping hand as they support people learning to walk again

A new Robot Assisted Physiotherapy scheme was launched this week, with a London-based film producer walking with the support of the REX robot for the first time in 11 years.

Nicholas Fearon, known as Pikki, broke his back in 2004 and was told he would never walk again - but with his sheer determination Pikki turned his life around and has gone on to produce a number of feature films.

During Robot-Assisted Physiotherapy, robot REX lifts patients from a sitting position into a robot-supported standing position, helping them take part in walking and stretching exercises designed by physiotherapists.

Organised by national charity Aspire, who are based in Stanmore and provide practical support and help to people who have suffered spinal cord injuries, the scheme was kicked off at the Aspire Leisure Centre in Stanmore yesterday.

Pikki, the first person to use REX, said: “Standing and walking again in REX felt weird and wonderful but natural at the same time. It’s fantastic to be back at eye level with everyone again”.

Brian Carlin, chief xecutive of Aspire said “We are delighted to be hosting the Rex Bionics and PhysioFunction event at Aspire. Every eight hours in the UK someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury. Aspire provides practical help to spinal cord injured people across the UK, helping them move from injury to independence.

"We are therefore excited to be able to support Physio Function’s Robot Assisted Physiotherapy with REX which can help disabled people to maximise their independence.”