Cyberdine Corporation and Professor Sankai of Tsukuba University introduced HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) last year. A robot suit that can improve physical capability. While it is a good solution to handicaps, disabled or aged people to move around, HAL can assist workers in the industry to carry more, and rely on it in certain position like bending knees for a long period.

Technology behind HAL

The movement of a person is established as a consequence of nerve signals being sent from the brain to the muscles via motoneuron, moving the musculoskeletal system. At the same instance, very weak bio signals can be detected on the surface of the skin. HAL catches these signals through a sensor attached to the skin of the wearer. Based on the signals obtained, the power unit is controlled to move the joint unitedly with the wearer’s muscle movement, enabling to support the wearer’s daily activities.
The video below shows HAL in action

In order to obtain measurement data, the company is renting HAL to tourist and Tokyo residents. HAL suit is available in different sizes, either one leg or two legs models. The complete suit can be rented for about 2200 dollars per month.

History reveals that most good invention were misused and taken advantage of for individual achievements at the expense of humanity. I hope HAL will not be used to create an army of cyborg and sent to war.