Can you imagine ordinary construction and industrial workers wearing power suits similar to Iron Man that will help make heavy tools appear weightless? A company based in Richmond, California is working to make this scenario possible.
Ekso Bionics, known for manufacturing exoskeleton bionic devices for soldiers and paraplegics, are set to come out next year with the so-called "Ekso Works suit," a strap-on device that will help carry heavy industrial and construction tools through the help of gravity and amazing mechanical design.
This industrial exoskeleton is composed of shoe-like platforms that fit beneath the shoes, and several large velcro straps and bendable metal brackets up to the knees, with a hinge to allow normal bending and jumping.
A metal ring is used to secure the Ekso Works suit around the waist. The exoskeleton also features a stripped down backpack and an advanced device where a large swing arm fit into a socket.
Ekso Bionics' chief technology Officer Russ Angold is proud that the Ekso Works suit is completely analog.
"Our industrial exoskeletons, our first round of products, are actually passive. There's no electronics, there's no batteries, so it's pretty exciting," Angold said.
However, the firm is still trying to improve the industrial exoskeleton, particularly to allow more normal walking.
The Ekso Works suit is expected to cost some "tens of thousands of dollars" when it becomes commercially available in 2016.
Nevertheless, Ekso Bionics hopes that its industrial exoskeleton will become a common feature in construction sites around the world within a few years. The firm is also looking at gaining more profit through the Ekso Works.
Wayne Creasap, senior director of Environmental Health and Safety, thinks the Ekso Works is quite promising.
"That is really cool. I think it has merit. There are things where it could have applicability in certain instances. I think there would be an interest in the industry to see how this technology develops," Creasap said.
