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Robotic exoskeleton gets gardening job

Dig up sprouts with ease

Honda has already paraded several robotic exoskeletons designs. But now the concept’s been adapted to aid gardeners digging up spuds and pulling radishes.

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The Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology has designed what’s been dubbed a wearable agriculture robotic suit for tough farming work, according to a report by website Japan Probe.

Essentially, the wearer’s muscles are aided by the suit’s eight motors positioned around troublesome areas, such as the shoulders, elbows and knees.

Its designers hope to bring the exoskeleton to market within two years. It’s expected to cost between ¥500,000 and ¥1m (£7669/€8425/$11,195).

Latest Comments

How long...

...before the first MOD forum goes online, giving you tips on how to "overclock" you powersuit?

Mine's the cargolifter.

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I'll wait for firmware 2.0

So that it doesn't make you look like you've shat yourself when you're walking.

OTOH, maybe the poor operator has done just that.

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can i...

Dont care about picking sprouts or digging them up but if I buy one can I jump a hundred feet, kick down walls, pickup a car, fly, or at least something cool? If not I think im gonna pass...

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@Lionel Baden

It's about the same cost as a tractor isn't it?

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Fired

I worked agricultural jobs as summer work while a teenager (picking strawberries, picking apples, picking tobacco (yes, tobacco)), and I would have been fired if I worked that slowly.

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