Wearable muscles for the frail
AFP

A Japanese scientist is working on a rubber suit that gives inflatable “muscles” to the elderly and frail, giving them new-found strength and mobility.

The Lycra suit designed by Hiroshi Kobayashi of the Science University of Tokyo is covered in pairs of inflatable rubber tubes, which act as substitute muscles, reports New Scientist.

The tubes are covered by flexible metal mesh, the ends of which are connected to the joints on the suit, just as real muscles are connected to bones via tendons.

When the tube inflates, the mesh bulges. This pulls each end in and shortens the “muscle”. For instance, a pair of tubes connecting the elbow and shoulder joints of the suit would boost the power of a frail person’s biceps and triceps.

Power for the suit comes from compressed air stored in small canisters distributed around the garment, or from a tank carried on the back.

Source: Hindustan Times
Dated 23rd May, 2002