Japan ready to market 'robot suit'

SpinnerSpinner Birmingham, UK
edited August 2003 in Science & Tech
Japanese companies are getting ready for the launch of a 'robot suit' aimed at helping aged or physically disabled people walk, climb stairs or even seat themselves without the need for a chair.
"This is neither a robot in machine factories nor a one for amusement like a pet robot. This is a brand-new proposal projecting a future image of relations between people and robots,"

The suit, code-named HAL-3 (Hybrid Assistive Leg), is made up of a computer and batteries as well as four actuators attached around the knee area and hip joints. The device is said to be able to predict the movement of a users legs by detecting faint electrical signals from surrounding muscles.
With the equipment, the user can walk at a speed of four kilometres (2.5 miles) per hour with little physical exertion and avoid the jerky stop-go moves of ordinary robots.
The need for Japan to take measures to deal with its ageing society is increasingly urgent. The proportion of people aged 65 or older in Japan came to a record high of 18.82 percent, according to the latest government report on population released on Wednesday.

"We have also started developing a version for arms," Sankai said. "Eventually, we aim to make a suit that is thin enough to be worn like underwear and will allow users to run and move their arms freely."

A curious invention to say the least, why do I get the feeling though it will just become a toy for the rich and lazy.

image3.jpg

The full story:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/afp/20030821/tc_afp/japan_robot_technology_030821084042

Comments

  • mmonninmmonnin Centreville, VA
    edited August 2003
    Old people are going to carry around that big thing? Metal and batteries are not the lightest of materials.
  • NixxerNixxer Nottingham, UK
    edited August 2003
    Note that the person is on the bottom step. Why is it not modelled half way up?
  • ThraxThrax 🐌 Austin, TX Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    Because the long shot up the stairs is dramatic!


    Or something.
  • Geeky1Geeky1 University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
    edited August 2003
    I want one! :D
  • EnverexEnverex Worcester, UK Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    He is actually half way up by the look of it, as the rail just brakes half way, note that you cant actually see past the second tile on the step, so you dont know if it is actually the floor.

    NS
  • WuGgaRoOWuGgaRoO Not in the shower Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    Geeky1 said
    I want one! :D


    so do i...i mean damn...using your legs is for suckers....
  • SpinnerSpinner Birmingham, UK
    edited August 2003
    i mean damn...using your legs is for suckers....

    ha ha Lol! ;D
  • Geeky1Geeky1 University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA, USA)
    edited August 2003
    I am completely operational and .......
    by: amid_tha_rubble 08/21/03 04:59 pm
    Msg: 100 of 408
    3 recommendations

    "I am completely operational and all my circuits are functioning normally"

    POOLE-San:

    Right. Hal, tell me whether the
    following statements are true or
    false.

    HAL-3: i will if I can, Frank-san.

    POOLE Our Mission Profile calls for
    walking to the mall.
    True or false?

    HAL
    True.

    POOLE-San
    Our transit time is 2 hours walking. Is
    that true?

    HAL
    That's true.

    HAL WHY ARE YOU WALKING ME INTO THE STREET! AIIIEEE!!!!!
    "I am completely operational and all my circuits are functioning normally"

    ;D
  • TheSmJTheSmJ
    edited August 2003
    There was some TV show... Dark Angel... where a guy who was paralyzed from the waist down managed to get a hold of something like this by stealing it from a US government testing facility. Not only had it allowed his to move as if he was never injured in the first place, but he had an incredible leg strength (jumping a full story was no issue, etc.). Of course, he was also able to wear it inconspicuously under his clothing.

    Anyways...

    With fuel cells getting closer and closer to general public use, a "HAL-3" like suit could be a huge leap in medical technology. Could you imagine, someone who has been wheelchair-bound all their lives could just use one of these babies to literally get back on their feet. Even the leg braces like the ones those that were used in the movie “Forest Gump” would be a thing of the past.

    Very, very exciting!
  • RWBRWB Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    US Government is working on a similar idea, but for war of course. A powered Battle Armor suit, but last I checked they went with a stealthier approach with no powered movement.
  • WuGgaRoOWuGgaRoO Not in the shower Icrontian
    edited August 2003
    ive got one word...
    transformers....
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