Man climbs Chicago skyscraper with bionic leg
By Associated Press
Nov 4, 2012 4:41 PM CST
Physical therapist assistant Suzanne Finucane, right, helps Zac Vawter as he practices walking with an experimental "bionic" leg at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012 in Chicago. Vawter will put his bionic leg to the ultimate test Sunday, Nov. 4, when he attempts to climb...   (Associated Press)

A 31-year-old amputee has made history, becoming the first person to climb 103 floors of one of the world's tallest skyscrapers with a bionic leg.

Zac Vawter was wearing a prosthetic leg controlled by his mind Sunday when he participated in "SkyRise Chicago." The charity event raises funds for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

The event marked the bionic leg's first test in the public eye.

As Vawter thought about climbing stairs, the motors, chains and belts in his leg synchronized the movements of its ankle and knee. Researchers cheered him on and noted the smart leg's performance.

Institute officials say the leg and its climber held up "fantastically."

Vawter finished the climb in about 45 minutes.

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