Exoskeletons in IEEE Spectrum 124
Rob the Bold writes "October IEEE Spectrum magazine (print and online) reports on worldwide developments in exoskeleton technology. Applications include mobility for the disabled, increased lifting power for cargo loaders and nurses, and faster running capability. Developments in the US, Europe and Asia are reviewed." From the article: "Today, in Japan and the United States, engineers are finally putting some practical exoskeletons through their paces outside of laboratories. But don't look for these remarkable new systems to bust bricks or spew lightning. The very first commercially available exoskeleton, scheduled to hit the market in Japan next month, is designed to help elderly and disabled people walk, climb stairs, and carry things around. Built by Cyberdyne Inc., in Tsukuba, Japan, this exoskeleton, called HAL-5, will cost about 1.5 million yen (around US $13 800)."
WIll lower the costs (Score:4, Interesting)
Starting to get there (Score:5, Interesting)
Good Call (Score:3, Interesting)
Anyway, this particular system wouldn't support a person without control over their lower limbs. For one, the weight distribution for the person is all at the waist and upper thighs. If we were to say that the handicapped individual is extremely light at a mere 80lbs, he or she still would be too heavy to hold vertical for extended periods of time via the waist and upper thighs. I don't even want to imagine how torn up the skin would get. Heck, an improperly configured rucksack of just 50lbs on my back for just a couple of hours will give me two deep wounds about 2"x6" and they will be sore for over a week. And they want to hold a person up, supported, without any weight being supported by the obvious candidate: the butt. Of course, that's why wheelchairs are so effective.
As for the other application, such as holding increased weight... well, this one is actually a little more practical, but it's got a bunch more problems--and the same thing keeps cropping up: how do you get all that added weight to be distributed AROUND the body instead of through it via the person's bones and muscles? Truth is, it's really difficult. It's especially difficult when the person goes to lift--the motors, joints, and structure has to be "thinking" ahead of the person and move into the proper load-bearing position without throwing itself and the person off-balance. Impossible? No. Current reality? Doubtful.
If this particular skeleton supports extra weight at all, I would suspect the joints are all similar to my folding latter's joints that can lock into place and become very rigid. Then, just get the weight into a supported position (by lifting it up yourself), and then the skeleton can be locked in to give you rest. Balance is handled by the person. Add some flash for potential venture capitalists, and you're done. Too easy.
And by the way.... just where is/are the battery(ies)? Nevermind, this thing's got perpetual motion installed, I'm sure.
Re:Starting to get there (Score:3, Interesting)
(the intuative ability to know where your body parts are)
Well when you think about it, a car is just an exoskeleton really, and we can manage to drive them around without too much trouble. I doubt maneuvering a real exo around will be any more difficult than wearing a coat two sizes too large...
Re:WIll lower the costs (Score:3, Interesting)
Either that or big electromagnets in the feet. Alternatively they could all make like clowns and have oversized feet.