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.
Loading ...
NASA's X1 Robosuit Designed to Live Dual Lives
Posted by: Peter Suciu October 16, 2012 02:22 PMNASA 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.