Three employees of Japan’s Cyberdyne robotics company recently demonstrated a new “people-assisting” device: an exoskeleton that could help injured or disabled people walk. The system is called “HAL 5,” and three prototypes of the technology paraded through Tokyo this week.
We’ve covered Cyberdyne’s HAL suits, and their unfortunate names, a couple times before. But we believe this is the first time they’ve gone out on the streets.
https://gizmodo.com/japan-is-creating-your-future-cyborg-overlords-right-no-5060335
https://gizmodo.com/real-iron-man-suits-are-coming-but-are-just-the-begi-382386
Cyberdyne employees strapped on the robotic leg braces and took them on a 30 mile journey through Tokyo, via train, taxi, and on foot. The 24 pound suit made the commute easier for the demonstrators, but the technology is aimed at people who have difficulty walking. Cyberdyne is optimistic that more people-assisting technologies are in their future.
As of now, a Japanese study predicts these people-assisting robot business will be a $65 billion industry within 20 years.
Cyborg-walkers stride toward Japan’s robotics future [via Physorg]
