Sci-fi films depict the enhancement of a person's natural mobility in a couple of ways: hard robotic outfits or near-supernatural medical procedures. These soft exosuits can be likened as a compromise between the two. It is a wearable robotic outfit that could easily be worn underneath normal garb yet there is nothing remotely normal about it itself.
Attached to a battery pack, the soft exosuit assists the wearer's leg muscles, providing additional power up to 20%. Created by Harvard University engineer and head of the Biodesign Lab Connor Walsh, it is designed with soldiers in mind. He says, “You actually don’t really notice that it’s helping you. But as soon as you turn the system off, it makes you instantly feel that your legs are heavy, which shows that your legs have adapted.”
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Wearable Soft Exosuits
- Soft exosuits are a compromise between hard robotic outfits and medical procedures, enhancing a person's natural mobility.
- Battery-powered Assistance
- Battery-powered soft exosuits assist leg muscles, providing up to 20% additional power.
- Seamless Integration
- Soft exosuits can be seamlessly worn underneath normal garb, enhancing mobility without being visibly abnormal.
Where This Applies
- Military
- The military industry can explore the use of soft exosuits to enhance soldiers' mobility and combat capabilities.
- Healthcare
- The healthcare industry can leverage soft exosuits for rehabilitation purposes, aiding patients with mobility challenges.
- Sports and Athletics
- The sports and athletics industry can adopt soft exosuits to boost performance and prevent injuries during training and competitions.
