Space technology has always something special to offer that helps in sustaining human life on earth. Developed by the U.S. space agency (NASA) in collaboration with Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) has come up with an exoskeleton help astronauts exercise in zero gravity, while assisting the paraplegics move on their own. Dubbed “X1,” the new robotic exoskeleton is essentially developed as an in-space exercise machine to supply resistance against leg movement, but it could also be worn by the disabled to move without any assistance.
Based on the Robonaut 2, the first humanoid robot in space, the X1 is worn over legs with a harness mounting to the back and around the shoulders to keep the body in shape. Featuring four motorized joints at hips and knees, the 57lb device also includes six passive joints and multiple adjustment points to move the body in different directions with ease.
Capable of measuring, recording and streaming the data back in real-time, the robotic device not only provide additional force or power boost with a spacesuit to astronauts but also gives a better insight into the crew’s exercise to doctors on earth.