Japanese scientists develop robotic tail that improves balance

The unusual invention was presented by a group of engineers from Keio University in Tokyo. The device significantly improves its wearer’s balance and agility.

The animal kingdom often serves as a source of inspiration for inventors. The inspiration to create a robotic tail was motivated by the agility that scientists observed in primates. This ability is well developed mostly due to their natural tails that enable these animals to grasp tree branches and effectively control their bodies. Other animals’ tails serve a similar purpose.

The researchers created an artificial tail called Arque with the goal of upgrading our natural agility levels. The design was inspired by the tail of a seahorse, and it was built from a series of plastic vertebrae. Their number varies depending on the height and weight of the user. 

Arque operates using an air compressor that is charged with a battery. This technology can be compared to an exoskeleton, but it is much lighter and easier to use.