Interest
First Commercial Powered Suit Is 'Ninja-Powered'
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Active Link Corporation unveiled its Power Loader Light PLL-04 Ninja on Monday, touted as the industry's first passive walking control and active walking auxiliary control hybrid power suit.
When the user begins walking, the auxiliary motor activates to stabilize the user's movements. The passive walking control is also activated. These controls assist the wearer in walking on different terrains from walking down the street, up stairs, or climbing hills. With the power suit's assistance, it can reach speeds up to 12 kph (about 7.5 mph).
The suit gets its name from its weight distribution on the balls of the user's feet, causing a "ninja stance." The whole system weighs about 15kg (about 33lbs) and also helps the user perform heavy lifting tasks up to 30kg (66lbs). Active Link is looking to promote the powersuit to those in the agriculture and forestry industries who want more efficiency while working on hilly surfaces.
The company is aiming to have the suit available for practical uses within three years. Active Link, a division of Panasonic, debuted its first Power Loader Light model in 2010.
The new version has fewer motors and a smaller battery pack.
Source: PC Watch via Otakomu, New Launches
