A person wearing a prototype version of the suit (left) with Steve Jurvetson

HAL, or Hybrid Assistive Limb, is a powered exoskeleton suit currently in development by Tsukuba University of Japan. There are currently two prototypes, HAL 3 which has bulkier servo-motors and only has the leg function, and HAL 5, which is a full-body exoskeleton for arms, legs, and torso. HAL 5 is currently capable of allowing the operator to lift and carry about five times as much weight as he or she could lift and carry unaided.

It operates by sensing weak electrical impulses from muscles via electrodes on the operator's skin and sending them to the onboard computer which in turn analyzes them and activates corresponding servos of the suit, mimicking the wearer's motions. The whole suit is powered by a 100-volt battery attached to the operator's waist.

On October 7th, 2008, DailyMail.co.uk via Gizmodo.com announced that it would be available for rent this week. ^[1] The 22 pound model is for the legs only, which is belted at the waist and legs. By measuring brain signals with sensors on the skin, it "works effortlessly with your muscles" to strengthen by approximately ten fold. Additionally, single-leg rentals are available.

A Japanese company known as Cyberdyne Inc. plans to mass-produce and rent out 10 units within the first year for further testing.

[edit] Uses

According to its homepage, HAL is being designed to assist the disabled and elderly in their daily tasks, or any physically demanding job such as disaster rescue or construction. HAL is mainly used by disabled patients in hospitals to assist them in moving from one bed to another, and can be modified so that patients can use it for rehabilitation.

Some have speculated its potential use in the military as an aid to increase endurance, speed, and strength. Particularity that of wounded soldiers who would otherwise be helpless. See Powered exoskeleton.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• Japanese homepage (in english)
• IEEE Spectrum article October 2005

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