Inflatable exo-suit (via Tokyo University of Science)
Those who have weak bodies can now become a virtual power-house.
For over a decade, exoskeletons have been used in the medical field to assist in either therapy or helping the disabled become more mobile (see Cyberdine’s HAL suit). These exosuits use some use varying sorts of hydraulic system to help the individual move and are rather bulky which limits the areas that they can be operated. A recent exoskeleton aimed at the medical field, called the ‘muscle suit’, uses a different approach to actuation by adapting air-bladders to help with mobility.
Designed by Dr. Hiroshi Kobayashi and a team from the Tokyo University of Science, the exosuit employs a series of artificial muscles attached to a frame that essentially simulate the muscles of the wearer. Deployed around the upper torso is a system of pressure and accelerator sensors which detect the user’s slight movements, which in-turn inflate or deflate the appropriate corresponding PAM’s (Pneumatic Artificial Muscles). Compressed air tank(s) powers the bladders when the sensors give a signal to a microprocessor. This gives the user the ability to lift or move an astounding 88 pounds!
The suit can also be controlled through simple voice commands i.e.: start/stop and the speed at which the PAM’s expand or contract can be adjusted through a regulator valve to further customize the suit to the user’s needs. The muscle suit comes in two versions with one (20lbs) aimed at places where extreme lifting is required while the smaller (11lbs) is meant for the medical industry with both being available for rent next year for around $185.00 US per month.