SCI/TECH: Toyota Introduces Mobility Enhancement Suits

Toyota of Japan is introducing a system to help mobility impaired individuals function in everyday capacities. Toyota calls these systems robots, but they are really wearable suits controlled by an individual. They are proposing to manufacture two models. One is a four wheeled model that has high and low speed capabilty. The user actually sits in the "robot" like sitting in a chair. In the low speed mode, the wheels are retracted or slid closer together reducing the wheel base. This would allow for increased manuverabilty in close quaters. The wheelbase stretches for high speed travel. The walking model uses a bipod, two leg and feet, for mobilty over objects such as steps and stairs. This model woud have many implications over wide sector of industry.



These are serious looking machines that could have a real impact help disabled person. Let me add, however, I'm not disabled and I want one. These things look absolutely cool. I wouldn't be supprised to this tecnology incorporated into military technology.

Related News Links:
www.toyota.co.jp
www.gizmodo.com


[edit on 5-12-2004 by Banshee]

I wanted to add a couple of more pics here so you guys wouldn't have to click the links.

Thank you for the info...
Someone/s will receive these for Christmas.

I don't really see these as practical. There just too big for indoors movement, that and try taking one of these out for a spin on a city sidewalk. I don't see these having much military application since there probably easy to break with a short burst of fire from an assult rifle.

These do look interesting. I am sure there is a market, and if they are sucessfull, I do see new uses for them. Military and industral, do you all rember the fork lift in Aliens?