Be A Hero: Get A Cybersuit
By Simon Davies
News from Japan suggests that the world of "I, Robot" or even "Star Trek" could be closer than we think. Pictures from the University of Tsukuba show a "Cyborg"-style suit to be worn by disabled people, enabling them to use previously weak limbs to walk. The suits are controlled by signals from the user's brain and will soon be available to hire for as little as 70,000 yen ($590 or £295) a month.Exactly how the suit works is a closely guarded secret, but it is probably controlled by a technique with the delightful name of "Electroencephalography". This is a technique which taps into voltage differences between different parts of the brain by attaching electrodes to a person's scalp. Research has been able to identify the exact "brainwaves" associated with certain thoughts and this has led to the possibility of controlling robots with the mind.
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Maybe that eighties craze of break-dancing would be revived and taken to new heights. The criminal world would definitely be transformed and security measures would have to be taken against attacking mega-villains. Of course we all know that Wallace and Gromit got there first with "The Wrong Trousers", but there are many more professions that could be transformed by this technology than just window cleaning!
So, I'm off to start my Robocop training course. I suggest you think about doing the same!
The robot world is around the corner - here's some more about it:
- News - Human rights for robots
- Strange - Driverless cars take to the road
- News - Mind control for metal men
- Video - Robo-insects take to the skies
Image: Kyodo Photo
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