US | amputees Man Climbs Skyscraper With Bionic Leg Amputee Zac Vawter makes history in Chicago By Newser Editors and Wire Services Posted Nov 4, 2012 6:00 PM CST Copied Zac Vawter, fitted with an experimental "bionic" leg, looks out onto the Ledge at the Willis Tower, Thursday, Oct. 25, 2012, in Chicago. (Brian Kersey) See 1 more photo 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 today 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. Read These Next Beyonce leaves national anthem unfinished. A space capsule carrying ashes of 160 people crashed in the ocean. Iraq's national game of deception brings out the best bluffers. A lesson in minding your own business ... at 30,000 feet. See 1 more photo Report an error