Japan unveils "robot suit" that enhances human power
 

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan has taken a step into the science-fiction world with the release of a "robot suit" that can help workers lift heavy loads or assist people with disabilities climb stairs.

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"Humans may be able to mutate into supermen in the near future," said Yoshiyuki Sankai, professor and engineer at Tsukuba University who led the project.

The 15-kilogram (33-pound) battery-powered suit, code-named HAL-5, detects muscle movements through electrical-signal flows on the skin surface and then amplifies them.

It can also move on its own accord, enabling it to help elderly or handicapped people walk, developers said.

The prototype suit will be displayed at the World Exposition that is currently taking place in Aichi prefecture, central Japan.

Japan has seen a growing market for technology geared toward the elderly, who are making up an increasing chunk of the population as fewer younger Japanese choose to start families.

A government report last week showed that pensioners made up a record 19.5 percent of the country's population in 2004 and that the ratio will grow rapidly, surpassing 35 percent in 2050.

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Very cool.

Stuff like this is going to have partially paralyzed people walking again before we find ways to repair the spinal cord.

If could tell my ancestors that one day technology would enable a man to lift a full-grown asian woman, they'd laugh in my face and call me a loon.

This is for people that really need this suit like people who are elderly or disabled and normally can't do things like that.

I realize this and I applaud their achievements.

I was just attempting a humorous take on the accompanying photo: where a young healthy 'looking' man is demonstrating his artifical strength by lifting something relatively light. though for all I know, he may be disabled and unable to lift his own body on his natural strength alone.

cool stuff....

That is very cool, Japan... lead edge in technology :D

Perhaps they can also design a PIMP suit that cybernetically enhances one's PIMP abilities ;)))

When you are bangin a chick in that suit, does that mean you will have to do less work? :banana :Graucho

Hal 5? That's a LOOOOOONG way from the HAL9000 that appeared in Space Odyssey 2001 and it's 2005 already.

I'm a bit confused.

cool stuff :)

That is really cool :D

very cool technology. I am sure the military is looking at this wondering how they could put it to use as well.

so cool!...:thumbsup

no doubt

LOL ... Thanks for the laugh! :thumbsup