Cyberdyne Japan to release Robot suit HAL in October 2008

[gutteck]

Apr 17, 2008 18:39
Chiho Matsuda, Nikkei Monozukuri
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Cyberdyne's "HAL" robot suit


A rendering of the new plant
On April 16, 2008, Daiwa House Industry Co Ltd (headquarters in Osaka) commenced the construction of a plant for Cyberdyne Inc (headquarters in Tsukuba, Ibaraki). Cyberdyne researches and develops the "HAL" robot suit that assists human self-standing for medical and nursing purposes.

The plant is slated for completion in September and operation from October this year. The new plant will work as the HAL's core plant.

The new plant plans to produce 500 HAL suits every year. In accordance with the plant's operation, Daiwa House and Daiwa Lease Co Ltd (headquarters in Osaka) will lease the HAL suits, targeting medical institutions and nursing homes.

Cyberdyne is currently striving to improve the HAL's capability and develop a mass-production technology. The company formed a partnership with Daiwa House regarding the HAL's applications to homes, medical/nursing institutions and sports facilities in February 2007. And it is planning to advance their joint research on the next-generation residential environment as well.

Cyberdyne will establish a market supply chain for the HAL by incorporating the Daiwa House Group's management and other resources.

A few youtubes on exoskeletons


http://youtube.com/watch?v=0hkCcoenLW4

http://youtube.com/watch?v=EdK2y3lphmE

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WKYabUPOoBg

[Perry]

WoW! Imagine the price tag is in the tens of thousands.