Donning a piece of clothing
that gives you superpowers seems like something straight out of a comic book or
video game, but a start-up based out of California is bringing this idea a step
closer to reality.
Superflex, a spin off from the
non-profit SRI International has developed a suit that is designed for the
aging human population which gives its user the physical strength to do tasks
that would otherwise be impossible to complete. The company is calling this new
type of product “intelligent wearable strength”. The suit won't let its wearer
pick up a car but it will give its user the required strength to do everyday
tasks like sit up from a chair or walking around, perfect for the elderly or
anyone who is suffering from a disability. The key component to this groundbreaking
technology is system of autonomous sensors and flexible electric motors which
bend in conjunction with its user's movements.
The suit is designed to give its user
enhanced mobility and vitality in their legs, hips, and torso. The developers
also say that the suit can be manually adjusted to give additional power.
However, this may not be required. The Superflex says that the suit can detect
a user's movements and will automatically adjust to user's requirements
becoming extremely useful if you are having trouble carrying a bag of groceries
upstairs. The company has reportedly received a $10 million investment from
Global Brain, Horizons Ventures, Root Ventures, Sinovation Ventures, and SRI
International. A consumer version of the biosuit is expected to be released by
2018.
Source: DNA-2nd January,2017
