Yay for robot-legs.. ( Brought to you by DARPA)

[SoCalDem]

http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/03/03_exo.shtml

UC Berkeley researchers developing robotic exoskeleton that can enhance human strength and endurance

By Sarah Yang, Media Relations | 03 March 2004

BERKELEY – The mere thought of hauling a 70-pound pack across miles of rugged terrain or up 50 flights of stairs is enough to evoke a grimace in even the burliest individuals. But breakthrough robotics research at the University of California, Berkeley, could soon bring welcome relief — a self-powered exoskeleton to effectively take the load off people’s backs.

"We set out to create an exoskeleton that combines a human control system with robotic muscle," said Homayoon Kazerooni, professor of mechanical engineering and director of UC Berkeley’s Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory. "We’ve designed this system to be ergonomic, highly maneuverable and technically robust so the wearer can walk, squat, bend and swing from side to side without noticeable reductions in agility. The human pilot can also step over and under obstructions while carrying equipment and supplies."


The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX) helps lighten the load for the human user. (UC Berkeley photo)

The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX), as it’s officially called, consists of mechanical metal leg braces that are connected rigidly to the user at the feet, and, in order to prevent abrasion, more compliantly elsewhere. The device includes a power unit and a backpack-like frame used to carry a large load. Such a machine could become an invaluable tool for anyone who needs to travel long distances by foot with a heavy load. The exoskeleton could eventually be used by army medics to carry injured soldiers off a battlefield, firefighters to haul their gear up dozens of flights of stairs to put out a high-rise blaze, or rescue workers to bring in food and first-aid supplies to areas where vehicles cannot enter. "The fundamental technology developed here can also be developed to help people with limited muscle ability to walk optimally," said Kazerooni. The researchers point out that the human pilot does not need a joystick, button or special keyboard to "drive" the device. Rather, the machine is designed so that the pilot becomes an integral part of the exoskeleton, thus requiring no special training to use it. In the UC Berkeley experiments, the human pilot moved about a room wearing the 100-pound exoskeleton and a 70-pound backpack while feeling as if he were lugging a mere 5 pounds.

The project, funded by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, began in earnest in 2000. Next week, from March 9 through 11, Kazerooni and his research team will showcase their project at the DARPA Technical Symposium in Anaheim, Calif.

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[DarkPhenyx]

1. Didn't Ripley already have a full body suit version?

She was hot when she used it to beat the crap out of the Alien Queen in it.

"Get away from her you BITCH!"

[VelmaD]

2. Yer damn right she was hot

Hot enough to make a girl consider switching teams. Hubba hubba.