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Robot Body Suit To Be Marketed In Japan
destinyland writes "A Japanese company is preparing limited mass production of a cybernetic bodysuit which dramatically increases user strength up to ten times. The "Hybrid Assistive Limb" suit synchronizes movements of a mechanical exoskeleton to biological nerve signals detected by biopads on the body. (Originally envisioned for people with disabilities, the suit also has industrial applications, and the company is planning annual production of 400 units at $4,200 apiece.) Its battery life is five hours, according to the company's web site, which promises they're also opening an EU branch to begin sales outside of Japan."
FTFA. There's a demonstration at about 3:40.
The point would be to let someone lift objects they can normally handle with less fatigue on the muscles. So an activity that someone used to be able to do for only say 15mins they can now do for hours without feeling tired.
From the picture in the linked article, it's pretty obvious that this is indeed an exoskeleton - it has bottom support (from underneath the feet) all the way up to the arms.
"The agriculture ministry is not in charge of Gundam" - Japanese ministry official.
Before someone goes and dreams of a Steve Austin experience: You can't carry more. You can't lift a car, unless that "wearable robot" also comes with an exoskelet that can carry that weight.
Too bad you didn't read the fucking summary which contains the word "exoskeleton".
-1, WhatAnIdiot
"You're right," Fisheye says. "I should have set it on 'whip' or 'chop.'"