Japanese Deploying Powered Exoskeletons for Elderly

FoeNyx writes "The AFP is reporting that 30 Tokyo firms have planned to set up a joint-venture in next spring to market an 'exo-skeleton type power assist system' named HAL (Hybrid Assistive Leg) developed by Yoshiyuki Sankai, professor and engineer at the Sankai Lab, a Cybernetics specialized Laboratory of the Tsukuba University. When will the next generation be available?" The elderly with their exoskeletons and the bionic nurses will make quite a sight at Japanese nursing homes.

Comments

Gread idea, but...

[Blaine Hilton]

I for one think this is a great idea. Many people have an injury, and can not walk for awhile and then its game over for them. If I'm not mistaken this is why nobody wants a broken hip, because the hip is the least of the worries. All of the complications from it and the fact that you will be in bed and not mobile and everything.

A system like they are developing can have huge consequences, not only on the person's physical abilities, but also on their mental well being. It's no fun to live in a bed, and have to have others help you to do anything and everything except sleep.

Now if only normal people could afford such a beast...

Re:Bad Idea

[phurley]

Am I the only one who thinks this is a bad idea?

I doubt you are the only one, but I am proud to not be in your company. I will avidly search out medical and mechanical advantage to increase my life span and ability - because of my sense of self worth. Time will defeat my flesh and I will die, but I will not give up without a fight.