HAL bionic suit going to market
posted Apr 8th 2005 8:45AM
So the unfortunately-named robotic
HAL, Hybrid Assistive Limb, is finally making it to mass
production after a ten year development cycle. This bionic suit gives its wearer extra strength by providing a worn
exoskeleton that gives an extra boost to walking and climbing movements. Each time the wearer takes a step, bioelectric
sensors attached to the skin monitor the movements, send the data wirelessly to an attached computer worn in a
backpack, which in turns tells the robotic limbs to take a step right along with the user, adding strength to the
movement. Potential applications for the suit include helping people with brain and spinal injuries as well as act as a
wheelchair replacement for the elderly. We just want one so we can be the next great crime-fighting cyborg superhero —
but at $19,000 a pop, we kinda can't afford to be that altruistic.
There is something similar that is on display at local conventions here in the Seattle area - http://www.theyshallwalk.org
The Lifesuit is being built so that paralyzed people can walk again. Sadly, there's not much info. on their website yet.
At the UC Berkeley Human Engineering Laboratory you will find BLEEX: http://bleex.me.berkeley.edu/bleex.htm
Pretty cool ish.
If this technology is ment to help disabled or elderly folks why is it they never show the elderly or disabled folks in their demos? Its always the people who dont need the assistance that are shown wearing these gizmos... :)
I wanna see 7' 300lb. boxers wear a hi output version of these and REALLY smack each other around...
BIONIC-BOXING : Muscle vs. Metal
Even if it is marginally imoral, it would sell...
I wonder if the added strength these units provide the disabled can really offset the extra weight of the battery that the user has to wear. Not to mention that the ceter of gravity will be significantly altered...
Has anyone actually seen the Berkley suits? These were 'designed' with the military soldier in mind, but there are three problems with this:
1) The guy wearing the suit actually looks like he is in pain trying to use the thing
2) The guy is very very very slow - like stationary please shoot me now slow
3) The things make enough noise that they are entirely impractical on the battlefield as people will know you're coming for miles and miles away! It sounds like someone with a riding lawnmower stuck in a ditch.
I don't think this is made with the disabled or the elderly in mind unlike the lifesuit
At the outset, let me congratulate the brilliant work done by researchers to give hope to those who have little or no hope, through the bionic suite for those who are suffering from Spinal injuries.
Allow me to introduce myself. I have now been in civil and public life for over four decades, having arisen from a very humble background. I have been a Member of Parliament for almost two decades now, and also served as the first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh State in India.
In April 2004, I suffered C6-C7 spinal injuries in a road accident, for which I was duly operated. Subsequently, I have been undergoing rigorous rehabilitation at various places including the Indian Spinal Injury Centre, New Delhi and at the Stokes-Mandeville (Royal Buck) Hospital, Aylesbury, U.K.
While there has been considerable improvement in my general medical condition, the process has been slow. It is now over a year since my accident, but I am still unable to walk.
It is therefore, with a great sense of urgency and hope that I am writing In the forum so that I can be connected to the right person for bionic suite. I shall be grateful if you guide me or proved address of the doctor/hospital/ lab where I can get the bionic suite.
Needless to say, the Government of India have, through the Hon’ble Prime
Minister, promised to bear all costs. I shall be happy to supply you with
any information pertaining to my medical history etc. that you may
desire.
I shall look forward to an early response.
With best wishes and kindest regards,
Yours sincerely
Ajit Jogi
Member of Parliament
Indian
At the outset, let me congratulate the brilliant work done by researchers to give hope to those who have little or no hope, through the bionic suite for those who are suffering from Spinal injuries.
Allow me to introduce myself. I have now been in civil and public life for over four decades, having arisen from a very humble background. I have been a Member of Parliament for almost two decades now, and also served as the first Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh State in India.
In April 2004, I suffered C6-C7 spinal injuries in a road accident, for which I was duly operated. Subsequently, I have been undergoing rigorous rehabilitation at various places including the Indian Spinal Injury Centre, New Delhi and at the Stokes-Mandeville (Royal Buck) Hospital, Aylesbury, U.K.
While there has been considerable improvement in my general medical condition, the process has been slow. It is now over a year since my accident, but I am still unable to walk.
It is therefore, with a great sense of urgency and hope that I am writing In the forum so that I can be connected to the right person for bionic suite. I shall be grateful if you guide me or proved address of the doctor/hospital/ lab where I can get the bionic suite.
Needless to say, the Government of India have, through the Hon’ble Prime
Minister, promised to bear all costs. I shall be happy to supply you with
any information pertaining to my medical history etc. that you may
desire.
I shall look forward to an early response.
With best wishes and kindest regards,
Yours sincerely
Ajit Jogi
Member of Parliament
Indian