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Power Pedal Exoskeleton From Matsushita
Power Pedal, a new lower-body exoskeleton from Matsushita Electric, provides users with up to seven times more leg strength.
(Power Pedal)
Power Pedal is worn (strapped onto) the lower part of the body; sensor-equipped pedals are used to control the suit. According to Matsushita, the Power Pedal is able to handle rough terrain.
Ritsumeikan University partnered with Matsushita to create the Power Pedal, which will go on sale in August for about $167,000.
Science fiction writers have long enjoyed the pleasures of exoskeleton-powered movement; take a look at the titanium exoskeleton from Fritz Leiber's 1967 novel A Specter is Haunting Texas and the powered armor from Robert Heinlein's 1959 novel Starship Troopers.
For real-life examples, take a look at the Muscle Suit Tokyo Exoskeleton Power Workout, see how the HAL-5 Exoskeleton Carries a Mountain Climber and don't miss the BLEEX: Robotic Exoskeleton
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 6/19/2007)
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