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Wandercraft says the device, codenamed Atalante, allows wearers to walk with no other help, using their chest movements to direct it. The first patient to use the exoskeleton, Françoise, pictured, said: “I will never forget the emotion of these first steps.�

The group has raised €15million to roll out the invention to rehabilitation centres across Europe and elsewhere from 2018.

The team of 35 mathematicians, roboticists and biomechanics want to refine and slim down the design which currently weighs 60kg. The device helps wearers stand up, walk and sit down, safely, autonomously and without crutches.

At present it can only be used by wheelchair users who have a good control of their torso, but Wandercraft hopes to develop the technology so it can also be used by those with neuromuscular diseases and hemiplegia, where one side of the body is paralysed.

The next challenge is to make it possible to move round obstructions so users can climb kerbs or stairs and complete everyday tasks.