October 14, 2008 - 4:30pm
The elderly and people with disabilities may soon be living a more physically active life - thanks to a robot. Click through to find out how.
HAL, or "hybrid assistive limb" was unveiled in Tokyo last week. The user belts HAL to their waist. Computerized sensors read brain signals and send them to mechanical braces attached to the legs, which assists the user in walking. HAL's designers are hopeful that the device will help keep people active and out of institutions. Click here to see a demonstration. At a rental cost of $2,200 a month, however, it is likely to remain out of reach for most for some time. The physical and mental benefits of belonging and inclusion, on the other hand, are much less expensive. HAL reminds us of the incredible things that technology can do to transform lives - and also that it needs to be integrated into a caring and inclusive society to reach it's full potential.
Share:
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
Printer-friendly version
.jpg)
