I Am Ironman!
Cyberdyne Corporation of Japan, in conjunction with Daiwa House, has begun mass production of a cybernetic bodysuit that augments body movement and increases user strength by up to tenfold.
The HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) suit works by detecting faint bioelectrical signals using pads placed on specific areas of the body. The pads move the HAL suit accordingly. The Cyberdyne website explains: “When a person attempts to move, nerve signals are sent from the brain to the muscles via motoneuron, moving the musculoskeletal system as a consequence. At this moment, very weak biosignals can be detected on the surface of the skin. HAL catches these signals through a sensor attached on the skin of the wearer. Based on the signals obtained, the power unit is controlled to wearer’s daily activities.”
Among the potential applications, Cyberdyne is emphasizing helping people with movement disabilities, augmenting strength for difficult industrial tasks, disaster rescue, and entertainment.
The HAL suit is not currently available. But according to Nikkei News, Daiwa and Cyberdyne are planning an annual production of 400 units and they should be marketed at approximately $4,200 US dollars.
Watch the HAL suit in action.
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Lance Anderson said:
"Anarchduke said:
'I know, you could create a whole specialized group of strength enhanced infantry, or even riot police that have enhanced strength.'
Anarchduke, why did you think of a military or totalitarian use
for this? (just curious)
The inventor intends for it to benefit people, not to help kill or oppress
them.
I'm slightly surprised that someone with militaristic thinking is visiting Humanity+"
I'm slightly surprised that someone who doesn't consider the double-edged nature of technology is visiting a site like this.
Truth is, once military uses are acquired, they often spread to the civilian sector, like turbojets and comsats. Whether power is used to create or destroy, it is still power. Both ends will be exploited. Not considering the eventuality isn't going to bring peace, only ensure you won't be able to keep it.
Oh how naive people are. Noble invented dynamite for peaceful intent but spent the rest of his life trying to make up for it. Thus the irrelevant Nobel awards. How can some one not see the potential military and industrial applications for this device?
I agree with Anarchduke. Anything that will give our troops an edge we should use it!
Hi,
did it work with a tetraplegic person.
is it available in France?
this is so cool I would love one of these
Isn't it a little ironic that CYBERDYNE is creating something called HAL?
Is the HAL suit a learning computer? or does it just sing "Daisy Bell" to you when the batteries run low? How about both?
I must say, that is super cool. Can you imagine one day a paralyzed person being able to use something similar to walk with!
Because it looks like the white plastic Star Wars storm-trooper gear
lots of people will immediately make a mental
connection. Maybe they could have made it functional yet
intentionally made it look very unappealing to
military types before unveiling it.
Anarchduke said:
"I know, you could create a whole specialized group of strength enhanced infantry, or even riot police that have enhanced strength."
Anarchduke, why did you think of a military or totalitarian use
for this? (just curious)
The inventor intends for it to benefit people, not to help kill or oppress
them.
I'm slightly surprised that someone with militaristic thinking is visiting Humanity+
With that out of the way, there would definitely need to be safeguards for the wearer. How powerful are the motors? What if it malfunctioned?
Could it put the wearer in danger? Could it just lock up so the user couldn't get out of it or could it start moving on it's own, walk out into traffic, or even break bones?
I'd like to find a discussion on any safety features it has.
Found my own answer
The latest battery runs for 5 hours under normal activities.
- From Cyberdyne's website
I wonder how long the batteries last on it. Anyone heard anything about that?
I wonder how much extra strength the glowing rings add to it.
drawing fire on it will make it go faster
and so will wearing a cape
It amazes me how each and every year things that were only dreamed of in comics and cartoons of my youth are coming closer to reality. Makes me wish I could live longer to see what else science will bring in the next hundred years.
Thanks for sharing,
A Travel Guide at Harvard
You may just get that chance to live another 100 years. Check out the article by Aubrey de Grey.
This is absolutely incredible! To think of all the potential applications for this type of device. I can't wait to see where they go with this!
I know, you could create a whole specialized group of strength enhanced infantry, or even riot police that have enhanced strength.
You could also use this to enhance the capabilities of sports team like in rugby or football.
One question I might have concerns the HAL's use with people who have central nervous disorders. Being it relies on nerve impulses, I would think that this might preclude its use for that population. However, despite that one holdback, HAL still fits a broad category of people who would probably find it a great difference maker in their lives.
Hello,
I am intereseted in the Rehabilitation Robotics and plan to do my PhD research in this field.
I have an MSc degree in mechanical engineering. I have also won a monbokagakusho scholarship and looking for a professor who will be able to accept the supervision of my PhD.
thank you very much in advance...
Dear Sir
My name is Ryan j. Wilson im from johnstown ny, 12095,USA im a quadrapledic i suffer a traumatic accident bac in jan 10,1999 i now have fair movemont of my arms jus limited finger movement, i was truly hoping to see if there was a clinic you might be using that i might be able to in list in. i see i do fit well in 3 departments ,medical,rehab, and assistance . is there anyone who could contact me to give me any type of information? i'd be more then willing to be a subject.
.
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