Japanese scientists develop exoskeletons for elderly people

These devices can help elderly people work with heavy objects without getting tired.

Japan has one of the oldest populations on the planet. In Japan, many people continue working after retirement, which has prompted scientists to develop special exoskeletons that will allow people to engage in physical labor even in old age.

The most popular example is Innophys exoskeleton, which resembles a backpack. This device operates based on a special pump that can be charged manually by pressing it 30 times. Innophys can carry objects up to 24 kg, with minimal energy expenditure. This gadget has a price of $1300.

Japanese farmers working on radish fields were among the early adopters of Innophys. The head of one family of farmers is over 70 years old, but the device allows him to continue working with heavy objects.

Other companies including Panasonic and Toyota are also working on developing similar gadgets. So far, Toyota has only developed a prototype, while Panasonic has already released a serial exoskeleton called Atoun Model Y, which has a starting price of $5500.