Robotic suit to aid elderly walking
A robotic suit developed in Japan that can read brain signals and assist people with mobility problems will soon be available, but at a hire cost of $3,000 a month.
Known as HAL – short for hybrid assistive limb – it is a computerised suit with sensors that read brain signals, which then direct limb movements through the skin.
The signals, captured by a 10 kg battery operated computer system belted to the waist, are relayed to mechanical leg braces strapped to the thighs and knees, which then provide robotic assistance to people as they walk.
HAL has been demonstrated in Japan by the Cyberdyne company, which intends to mass produce the robotic suit and initially hire them out.
A company video showed a partly paralysed person wearing the HAL suit standing up and walking slowly.
British robotics expert, Noel Sharkey, said that HAL would have wide ranging benefits for the elderly with disabilities.
The Japanese company has still to decide when the suit could go on sale for the public and what the final price would be.
