Robot suit may enable paralyzed to walk

Posted on 2008-10-08 05:42:19 in Neurology | Robotics |

A Japanese scientist has unveiled a robotic suit, which he says can enable paralyzed people to walk by detecting bioelectric signals sent from the brain, analyzing them, and then setting appropriate motors into motion to move their limbs. As the suit detects the signals sent from the brain this means that the person can control the robot suit by his or her own will.

The robot, named Robot Suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb), is the work of Yoshiyuki Sankai, a professor at Tsukuba University near Tokyo, and head of the venture firm Cyberdyne Inc. Cyberdyne plans to begin manufacturing the suits this month, and aims to produce 500 Robot Suit HAL's each year.

News release: Cyberdyne, Daiwa House to Lease Assistive Robotic Suit. Japan's Corporate News Network website. October 7th 2008.

 

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