Robot Farmers Conquer Tokyo (Sorta)!
As reported on Robots.net (and linked via BoingBoing), researchers at the Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have developed a mechanical exoskeleton that will provide greater strength to those who wear it. The suit is intended to help aging farmers with their daily routines, and is expected to cost 200,000 yen for the mass-produced model.
From Robots.net:
"The robotic suit relies on ultrasonic motors along with various sensors and wireless networking gear."
"Wireless networking gear," eh? One can only imagine the potential ramifications of a hacker gaining control over one of these exoskeletons. the results could be… alarming.
I've been wanting an exoskeleton for a long time! That's only $1,872.30! It would be nice to be able to walk more than a block or so.