SCI FI Tech – Japanese robot suit just about production ready
The day when you can buy your own robot exoskeleton (for whatever devious use you have in mind) is getting closer. Tsukuba University engineering professor Yoshiyuki Sankai’s HAL robot suit is pretty close to production — up to 20 of the suits should ship next year, and 400 to 500 in 2008.
The suits, designed for when your puny human muscles can’t get the job done, will cost $42,000 to $59,000 each. But for you apartment movers, the suits are expected to rent for $592 a month. I can’t wait until Wal-Mart is stocking these things, and the Exoskeleton Ultimate Fighting League is finally formed. — Adam Frucci