Posted on Sunday, January 18 2009 @ 18:33 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Scientists at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology
showed off an odd-looking exoskeleton that's designed to help elderly farmers. The suit weighs in at 55lb (25kg), and its eight motors and 16 sensors should help to combat age.
The researchers believe it will be particularly suited to elderly farmers who need support for their leg muscles and joints.
However, when it comes to buying one they may have to dip into their pension pots as the suits - out in three years time - are expected to cost between £3,500 and £7,000.
'Human robotic technology is being applied to various industries but it has great potential in the agricultural industry, in which people have to bear a heavy burden,' Professor Shigeki Toyama said.
