Robotic Suit Uses On-Board Sensors For People With Impaired Physical Mobility, Elderly, Soldiers

The robotic suit or Superflex which aims to help people with limited mobility is on the works. The team behind this innovative suit is Stanford Research Institute International; initially unveiled in May.

The SRI International is creating wearable robotic suits and apparels that would benefit elderly and the physically disabled people to perform activities, while soldiers can use the suit in assisting them carry heavy loads. The powered exosuit boasts on-board sensors that processes the user's movements and uses the information to turn on the power whenever necessary, Engadget reported.

The technology saves battery life in a less bulky set of wearable machine. It has a counterpart made by a team of engineers from Harvard University's Wyss Institute, the ReWalk Robotics. What makes this brand different from other robotic suits is the fabric-based design and form-fitting at the same time. These qualities make it lightweight and non-restrictive, The Times of India reported.

The fabric mimics the natural movement of the musculoskeletal system and actuators that assists in the user's motion. Superflex moreover safely generates power to support arm, legs or torso to assist in the body's movement and reduce load weight. The robotic suit is made to reacquire a person's dignity and to remove all those areas that cause psychological constraints.

Superflex could restore mobility and independence to enhance the quality of life, increase productivity and reduce the chance of injury in essential places. According to reports, a brand named Phoenix suit is designed to completely cure immobility from waist down but costs $40,000. However, Superflex and ReWalk is limited to assisting in mobility.

The robotic suit Superflex is not yet available in the market. The company is searching for commercialization options and does not have an official price yet. The brand's goal is to make it affordable and available to people who have physical disabilities.