those familiar with the terminator series will remember a little well-known company called cyberdyne – remember? they stumbled upon some terminator parts and from that become a major contractor for the US military, replacing human beings as commercial and military aircraft pilots. well the news is that said company has become a real thing…kind of. a japanese robotics company that just so happens to have the same name has recieved FDA (united states food and drug administration) approval. 

 

cyberdyne is responsible for the cyberdyne HAL which they call ‘the world’s first robotic medical device‘. HAL is short for hybrid assistive limb, and comprises of an exoskeleton which enhances users’ strength and stability. it is basically a robotic suit for the lower torso which includes sensors that attach to the users’ legs, which detect bioelectric signals sent from the brain to the muscles. this then triggers the exoskeleton to move.

 

the device combines voluntary and autonomous control to aid with the rehabilitation process for people unable to walk. the nervous system of the individual controls the technology rather than the control of other similar systems. the cyberdryne HAL takes the movement of the individual and magnifies it whilst supporting the user. the device has previously been marketed as a medical device in the european union and japan, but the FDA’s medical clearance in the united states back up HAL’s therapeutic effects.