Controlled by the power of thought, exosuit is selected outside Japan

Mankind is still far from using exotic suits with guns at the ready, but medicine already uses such devices in full. One of these was just outside of Japan.

What is known

Hybrid Assistive Limb or HAL helps people with motor impairments walk normally again. The device since 2011 helps Japanese doctors and now plans to move to the Center for Cybernetic Treatment of Jacksonville USA.

How it works

Unlike other exokostumes, HAL is controlled by the power of the patient's thought, and not by the usual joystick. HAL uses electroencephalography to read the electrical activity of the brain. The sensors catch the signal of the patient's nerves and send the exosuit to the "command center". Thus, a person activates neural pathways, which gradually restore the ability to walk.

HAL adapts to the patient and makes the right efforts. For example, if a person can apply 2% of effort, then the costume compensates for the rest. With the advent of new neuronal connections, the patient will give more effort, while HAL will in the meantime reduce its role.

Source: Engadget