Cyberdyne Inc, the Japanese robotics and technology company, has won government approval for its Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) as a medical device. The robotic exoskeleton is the first robotic device ever to become an approved medical device in Japan for diseases including spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. HAL, which already won approval as a medical device across Europe, will be used to help Japan combat challenges associated with its ageing population. In Japan, there are about one million people over 65 years of age who have some form of paralysis, according to figures from the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The creators of the technology hope that it will help users with paralysed limbs regenerate damaged nerve networks.
Cyberdyne Inc, the Japanese robotics and technology company, has won government approval for its Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL) as a medical device. The robotic exoskeleton is the first robotic device ever to become an approved medical device in Japan for diseases including spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. HAL, which already won approval as a medical device across Europe, will be used to help Japan combat challenges associated with its ageing population. HAL works by using the bioelectrical signals produced by the brain to power motors in the suit, which help the user with movements like walking, standing or lifting. The creators of the technology hope that it will help users with paralysed limbs regenerate damaged nerve networks.