LEADING EDGE OF CYBERNICS: INNOVATIVE CYBORG-TYPE ROBOT "HAL" TO IMPROVE, SUPPORT, AND EXPAND HUMAN'S ABILITY

Abstract

'Cybernics: the fusion and combination of humans, robots and information systems" is a new interdisciplinary academic field centering on cybernetics, mechatronics and informatics in which neuroscience, robotics, information technology, physiology, psychology, laws, ethics, and business administration are deeply intertwined. HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) is the world's first cyborg-type robot. HAL, developed through Cybernic technologies, detects faint bio-electrical signals transmitted from the wearer's brain through the nervous systems to the muscles, and assists the user's intended movement. This technology is sensing accurately potential signals while moving human body, making HAL move a little earlier than human muscle contractions. HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) was realized by it to improve, support, and expand human's ability.