NASA and the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition have jointly developed a new robotic exoskeleton, dubbed the “XI,” that could help astronauts in space stay in better physical shape, while also helping humans on Earth walk. The 57-pound wearable device is in essence a robot that fits over a human body to either assist or inhibit movement in leg joints. For astronauts, the inhibit mode would be used in space as an exercise machine to supply resistance against leg movement and help combat muscle atrophy.
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Robotic Suit Flexes Muscles on Earth and in Space
Posted by: Peter Suciu December 24, 2012 07:00 AMNASA and the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition have jointly developed a new robotic exoskeleton, dubbed the “XI,” that could help astronauts in space stay in better physical shape, while also helping humans on Earth walk. The 57-pound wearable device is in essence a robot that fits over a human body to either assist or inhibit movement in leg joints. For astronauts, the inhibit mode would be used in space as an exercise machine to supply resistance against leg movement and help combat muscle atrophy.