Japan unveils 'robot suit' to enhance human power

Found on Financial Express on Tuesday, 07 June 2005
Browse Technology

Japan has taken a step into the science-fiction world with the release of a 'robot suit' that can help workers lift heavy loads or assist people with disabilities climb stairs.

"Humans may be able to mutate into supermen in the near future," said Yoshiyuki Sankai, professor and engineer at Tsukuba University who led the project.

The 15-kilogram battery-powered suit, code-named Hal-5, detects muscle movements through electrical-signal flows on the skin surface and then amplifies them.

The prototype suit will be displayed at the world exposition that is currently taking place in Aichi Prefecture, Central Japan.

Japan has seen a growing market for technology geared toward the elderly, who are making up an increasing chunk of the population as fewer younger Japanese choose to start families.

Now that would be a neat toy. There are photos floating around somewhere too and it doesn't look ugly at all. You almost could wear it under your normal clothes. They didn't mention how much you can lift with it; so I guess there won't be a Superman coming soon.