by Arielle Young

It is nearly 2010 and I have yet to see flying Volkswagon Bugs and Lexus saucers on an intercity highway half a mile from the ground. I'm getting over it, especially because I now know that when my leg gets broken someday (hypothetical situation), it will have the opportunity to be coated in a Japanese robot.

I know, sounds skeptical, but the result of a recent invention developed by Japanese researchers supposedly extends the longevity of an otherwise deteriorated physical state, making one's functions similar to that of an able-bodied person.

This leap in medical science is brought to you by HAL- Hybrid Assistive Limb- and it is nothing short of fascinating. What makes this gadget feel like a prop out of a sci-fi flick is the way it is operated (not to mention it looks similar to Storm Trooper armor.)

This robotic suit, weighing in at 23kg, consists of the artificial limbs and a pack with the computer system and the machine's battery. HAL is state-of-the-art and truly futuristic because the whole system is controlled by the mind of the person engaged. An imitation of organic nerve endings, HAL detects the slightest of neurological impulses from the brain, to the muscle and through the skin. The impulses are immediately translated into muscle movement, enabling the suit to swiftly function in unison with the rest of the body. I'm nerding out!

How does this play into real medical issues? Imagine a human with any number of vast physical defects, such as the aftermath of stoke-induced paralysis or a spinal cord injury. The robotic suit will be able to assist in a variety of tasks... physical training, rehabilitation, heavy-labour jobs, and even in rescue and recovery operations. Those are bigger fish to fry however, and the real tasks that are paramount are the ones that a disabled person might have lost the ability to perform in everyday life. Walking, standing up from a chair, climbing up or down stairs, and lifting objects- all is made possible with this revolutionary piece of machinery. Did I mention that HAL can operate 4,000 meters above sea level... in the snow?

HAL is being re-developed into better and better models at the speed of light. The exoskeleton will revolutionize physical capability forever. As cool as the suit is, I'm personally holding out for the prototype that includes a jetpack with cupholder features. And racing stripes.

via Telegraph