Another Sci-Fi Dream Come True: The Exoskeleton Unveiled

Earlier exoskeleton prototypes have emerged for Japanese manufacturers Honda Motor Co. and Toyota Motor Corp. The prototypes, in real world testing markets now, evoke images known to Sci-Fi fans from the original "Alien" movie, and reveal the birth of technology that could one day spawn characters from video games such as the Spartan Master Chief in the Halo storyline.

The modest begging to these Sci-Fi dreams is a wearable assisted-walking device from Honda works, unveiled by Honda in Tokyo on Friday. The device is designed to support body weight and reduce stress on the knees, as well as help people get up steps. The device was initially designed for use by workers at auto or other factories: being used to relieve stress on assemble workers peer underneath vehicles on an assembly line. As reported by CBSNews.ca Engineer Jun Ashihara said the machine is useful for people standing in long lines and who run around to make deliveries." "This should be as easy to use as a bicycle," Ashihara said at Honda's Tokyo headquarters. "It reduces stress, and you should feel less tired."

The walking-assistance is a lower body exoskeleton that you operate like a bicycle. The seat goes between your legs, while the user steps into shoes connected by mechanical legs and pushes the on button. Once wearing the device, just start walking around. A computer connected to motors, gears, battery and sensors embedded in the skeleton, allows it to respond to a person's movements. Pricing and product availability plans have not been released.

At the same time another device to help people walk has been reviled by Honda competitor Toshiba Motor Corp.; but this one reads brain signals. A set of mechanical legs, dubbed "HAL" for Hybrid Assisted Limbs, is designed for elderly and those with restricted movement ability. The belted device reads brain signals to help people move within the mechanical braces strapped to the legs.

If these examples aren't enough to convince you of the inevitable release of full body exoskeleton out of "Alien," this growing market in Japan has other competitor's including a device, being tested at one Japanese facility, that helps rehabilitation programs for the disabled by encouraging them to take steps. The future of robotics, and hybrid human machines is live and well in the Japanese marketplace. The evolving market raises hopes of improved quality of life, safer more productive work environments, and dream tech strait from our favorite SciFi sources. Of course the other question it raises, is why aren't we in any position to compete or even enter this market. But that's a topic for a seperate blog.