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View Full Version : Prototype gadget: HAL - the exoskeleton suit



Yog
Jun 9th, 2005, 08:04:38 AM
Newest fashion from Japan, exoskeleton robot suit:

http://cache.itavisen.no/images/pic13253.jpeg

According to New Scientist, scientists at the university of Tsukuba, Japan have developed a robot suit that could help older people or those with disabilities to walk or lift heavy objects. It could also potentially be used to give superhuman strength.

A "bio-cybernic" system which uses bioelectric sensors attached to the skin on the legs, monitors signals transmitted from the brain to the muscles. Thats right, it actually reads nerve signals from the brain as detectable electric current on the skin's surface. The currents are picked up by sensors and sent to a computer which, which in turns controlls the electric motors. The motors actually respond faster to the nerve signal than the wearers muscles do.

Version 4 and 5 of the prototypes should allow a person to carry 40 kilos of added weight, which he/she would not normally be able to carry. According to Sankai, the lead developer of the robot suit, "It's like riding on a robot, rather than wearing one."

<a href=http://gfx.dagbladet.no/pub/artikkel/4/43/434/434095/robotbukser.jpg>HAL 3 exoskeleton man in action</a>

Source: New Scientist
<a href=http://www.newscientist.com/channel/mech-tech/mg18624945.800>Full article</a>

Vendetta
Jun 9th, 2005, 02:13:52 PM
The future is nearer than you think.

Soon we'll all be cyborgs :evil

Daria Nytherciria
Jun 9th, 2005, 02:42:29 PM
If ever lightsabers are invented, it will be by the Japanese. They always seem like they're living years decades of the rest of us!

Loklorien s'Ilancy
Jun 9th, 2005, 02:56:52 PM
This is so cool that I have to go to the bathroom [/Calvin]

Khendon Sevon
Jun 9th, 2005, 07:30:46 PM
I can see it now: "Pimp my exoskeleton!"

"We chromed it out and threw in a PS3!"




Serious note: this looks like it could be potentially stressful on the human frame/tendons

Tevit Ramastan
Jun 10th, 2005, 01:31:35 AM
Wow, that's very similar to the suit I've had in my head for years. Guess I ought to actually do somethign with my ideas sometime soon.

Wei Wu Wei
Jun 10th, 2005, 08:52:07 AM
People are sucking ideas out of Mitch's head when he sleeps at night!

Anuis Ma'artra
Jun 14th, 2005, 08:28:16 AM
Get the Tin Foil!