Toyota will be renting out robotic leg braces to 100 Japanese medical centres from autumn this year. The Welwalk WW-1000 system is designed for people with severe mobility loss in one leg, such as stroke patients. The motorised brace fits around the knee and lower leg, helping the wearer to bend and straighten the joint. Experts say that being able to rent the equipment should make it more affordable for medical facilities than buying it outright. The system will cost one million yen ($9,130; £7,298) up front, with a monthly fee of 350,000 yen ($3,195; £2,554). Toyota has not released details of how much it would cost if it were available to buy rather than rent. It was developed in conjunction with Fujita Health University Hospital. Patients first learn to use the device by walking on a special treadmill that monitors their gait, with their weight supported from above by a harness. 'Just enough assistance' One of Toyota's chief research officers, Toshi...