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Robotic Exoskeletons May Become Skintight Suits (robohub.org)
Slashdot reader Kassandra Perlongo shares an article about "soft robotics and exoskeletons" at the University of Salford, writing "those bulky, mechanical suits could eventually be a thing of the past."
Children with a rare neurological disease were recently given the chance to walk for the first time thanks to a new robotic exoskeleton... But while today's exoskeletons are mostly clumsy, heavy devices, new technology could make them much easier and more natural to use by creating a robotic skin... [Soft robotic devices] are particularly well suited to interaction with humans as they are typically lightweight which means if they collide with a person they are unlikely to cause injury.
We recently developed a new "soft continuum actuator", a joint that bends like an elephant's trunk...if it encounters resistance in one part of its body it will still bend but at a different location elsewhere along its length. By equipping a skintight material suit with these actuators, we can create a soft exoskeleton that bends at the precise location of the wearer's joints. This means the suit will fit a range of users comfortably without needing mechanical adjustment or calibration. Plus, the system is lightweight and can be worn like clothing rather than a bulky mechanical frame.
We recently developed a new "soft continuum actuator", a joint that bends like an elephant's trunk...if it encounters resistance in one part of its body it will still bend but at a different location elsewhere along its length. By equipping a skintight material suit with these actuators, we can create a soft exoskeleton that bends at the precise location of the wearer's joints. This means the suit will fit a range of users comfortably without needing mechanical adjustment or calibration. Plus, the system is lightweight and can be worn like clothing rather than a bulky mechanical frame.
From the well known engineering powerhouse the University of Salford...
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Pneumatic actuators may be lighter in some respects but that's simply because they are missing the power source. Throw that in and all the tubing routing and it gets to be anything but skin tight or have far less bulk than other options.
However, for quite some years now, I've wondered about the future of such systems. A full powered armored suit would make anyone trained (or perhaps even not so well trained) quite formidable both in terms of work they can do but also damage. Will we have to deal with armored people on a day to day basis? Will these systems get a ban hammer thrown at them after the first few irresponsible people go amok? Interesting times ahead.
The tech has huge tentacle applications.
Mit der Dummheit kämpfen Götter selbst vergebens
A lot of good ideas are locked into specific climate zones. I'm in Florida and far enough south that heat and humidity are a problem almost 365 days a year. Just how would such a suit or skin keep a person from death from heat exhaustion? Even some of the velo mobiles that work nicely in other places are no use at all in Florida. A recumbent bicycle puts your fanny closer to the black top. If that blacktop is 180 degrees F being closer is a really lousy idea. Now just imagine a robotic skin and the energy supply it would need to keep one cool in our climate. heck, even a Tee shirt is too much clothing here.
The description of future exoskeleton sounds like Uncle Martin's suit! Remember when they had been separated for a while? The suit was intelligent too. :)
Like this, perhaps?
https://images-na.ssl-images-a...
I am sure that there are many other solipsists out there.
The Star Trek Borg were right: Seven of Nine's outfit WAS the most efficient exoskeleton!
... Spandex(tm) futures are skyrocketing....