HAL Exoskeleton Assisted Mountain Climbing

OzPeter writes "The Age is reporting that two experienced mountain climbers will wear Japanese HAL exoskeletons to assist in carrying a quadriplegic and a muscular dystrophy sufferer to the summit of a Swiss mountain. Although they will be starting only 280 meters below the summit, it will still be an impressive feat." Slashdot covered the HAL exoskeleton late last year.

Comments

Why the HAL?

[TechnoGuyRob]

Why are they requiring a HAL Exoskeleton to make the climb? My father is an experienced mountain climber, and I know that one could very easily scale 280 meters in less than an hour; carrying a passenger will obviously complicate things quite a bit, but is additional (very expensive, I might add) technology truly necessary? According to the article, "Using HAL, someone who could normally lift 100 kilograms at a leg press machine could lift 180 kilograms"--not an amazing improvement.

Nonetheless, the climber is pursuing an honorable goal. He states, "I am trying create new possibilities for the disabled as well as realise a dream. My hope is that through this I can give courage and hope to all disabled people in difficult circumstances."

Re:Why the HAL?

[rilister]

80% increase in muscle strength "not an amazing achievement"?!

Anyone who's been through physical rehabilitation probably wouldn't agree with that...

Re:Why the HAL?

[Helish]

You have to realise that with proper training and nutrition you could do exactly the same in 6 months time. This are not impressive numbers, mostly the leg press, I can leg press 240kg with ease, but I can only (I assume it's similar to deadlift what they are talking about) lift 120kg. This numbers are very midcore. The only difference is that the machine doesn't get tired over a period of time.

Nice I guess..

[Digital Pizza]

.. but it'd be better if the exoskeleton was directly worn/used by the quadrapelegic and MS sufferer.

Re:Nice I guess..

[eltonito]

.. but it'd be better if the exoskeleton was directly worn/used by the quadrapelegic and MS sufferer

Gee, overstate the obvious, will ya?

Clearly the ultimate goal of this is to improve the mobility of folks who are disabled, but they first need to grasp basic concepts before tackling the complex challenges the disabled have. It's difficult to develop interactive and predictive motion assist on test subjects who have limited motion. Then there are the myriad of challenges with the nature of disabilities - each person has very specific limitations, strengths and weaknesses.

One quadrapalegic might have limited arm movement and the ability to somewhat stand while another might have excellent arm movement but their legs are jelly. Those with polio may not have fully developed legs that could even support their own weight. Some of those with MS may lack enough muscle control to allow their movements to be translated properly.

And what about the millions of amputees who cannot afford the technologically infused prosthesis that are currently available? A prosthetic leg with sensors, valves and a shock to provide semi-realistic movement costs more than $25,000 and insurance won't cover a dime of such a "luxury" item. An exo-skeleton adapted to the needs of the disabled would be so astronomical in price that few could ever afford it.

Clearly the basics of the technology need to be perfected on able-bodies before it is transferred to those with disabilities. In the meantime, folks need to admit that an exoskeleton that improves strength by 80% is pretty darned cool and has a lot of promise.

Re:Ummm.

[krnpimpsta]

Might as well find the nearest hill where they live and save all the expense.

I think the point is that these disabled people will get to experience some of the hiking experience as well as seeing the summit.
I suppose they could also see the summit via some other means.. maybe by helicoptor? Or from space? Or in a picture?

Why do people bother to run a marathon? It's easier to drive.