Robot-enhanced humans no longer science fiction
From paraplegics able to stand, to stroke victims walking again, robotic exoskeletons which wrap around the body could transform movement
Visions of humans running in exoskeletons able to move faster, jump higher and hit harder from films like Tom Cruise's are no longer science fiction but a reality.
What started out as a military tool helping soldiers carry large loads has spawned applications in medicine, rehabilitation, construction and in the near future, possibly even sports.
"We see the world of robotics as having a giant wave of human augmentation coming right at it," said Nate Harding, chief executive and co-founder of Ekso Bionics at CES in Las Vegas. "People will be running faster, jumping further and grannies will be showing off their new hip exoskeleton."
Harding was speaking at a conference discussing the future of robotics and brought with him a working exoskeleton that allowed paraplegic 22-year-old Shane Mosko from Connecticut, to stand up and walk, stunning the audience.
"It's about wrapping a robot around a person," explained Harding. "In the case of Shane, he's able to get up and walk without assistance. We know it will have a very positive affect on the long term health of people who are stuck in wheel chairs."
The exoskeleton ran down Mosko's legs to feet plates, powered by a small backpack and controlled partially through two walking sticks used to aid balance.
