Remember the HAL exosuit? I’ve been fascinated ever since stumbling across it way back in 2009. It basically gives the wearer superhuman strength, and will soon be used to help one man easily carry a second disabled man to the rocky tops of Mont Saint-Michel in France.
Seiji Uchida, 49, was disabled in a car accident, but always dreamed of walking the tourist islet. The Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) will allow a volunteer to help Uchida achieve his dream. Developed by Cyberdyne (no not that Cyberdyne), the suit detects muscle movements and is intended to help the elderly achieve mobility and independence.
Amazing stuff, but you’re still a ways off from switching gran’s scooter with a RoboCop cardigan. [Herald Sun]
xviodnessx
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 4:26 PMWhy cant I go to the us gizmodo any more ? aus version lack of contents to be honest
pimento
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 4:59 PMYou should see a bunch of country links up in the top right corner. Else, try: http://us.gizmodo.com/
Jim
Monday, July 4, 2011 at 6:46 PMSo when the operator falls off the mountain he takes his passenger with him, hmmmm
JAKE
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 12:07 AMdon’t think he’d be much use left up there on his own…
Awnshegh
Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 9:33 AMNot so – just give him a cardboard box and he’ll be sliding down the mountain in no time.
On a more serious note – look at the angle of the ‘volunteer’s’ back. It doesn’t matter how well your legs are supported standing at that kind of angle for long periods is going to force you into having to wear that bracing system for life.