Japanese mech suit can increase limb strength tenfold

The Japanese firm Cyberdyne has started mass production of its mech suit. Thanks to integrated robotics, the wearer of the $4200 suit can increase the strength in his limbs tenfold, according to the manufacturer.

The HAL system in the ‘robot suit’ contains sensors that are attached to the skin. The sensors can recognize the weak electrical signals that the brain emits to make a movement. The integrated controller converts these signals into the required movements of the artificial joints. According to the manufacturer the software contains sufficient safety margins not to injure the wearer by performing uncontrolled movements, but it can happen that a signal is picked up by the suit a fraction earlier than the person. The suit weighs a total of 23 kilograms and can operate for more than 2.5 hours on a battery charge.

According to Cyberdyne, his mech suit can increase the carrying capacity of human limbs tenfold, especially when lifting or dragging heavy objects. The company therefore sees opportunities in areas of application such as industries where heavy physical work is performed. The suit can also be used to assist disabled or convalescent patients, and logically the defense industry is also very interested in the product.

Due to the large potential sales market, the Japanese company has been established after a development phase for many years – inter alia in this video from 2006 – began mass production of the suit. Whoever puts $4200 on the table has a chance to get hold of one of 400 mech suits being built this year, reports DailyTech. There is no word yet on any waiting lists.