Jaunted

Popular Science recently tested out these robot legs, officially called "walking assist devices." There are two prototypes of them out right now, neither of which is available to the public. However, they will be on display at the Detroit's Society of Automotive Engineers World Congress next week. Here's the author's review of the "Stride Management Assist" which is worn around the waist and grips each thigh.

Wearing it, I climbed a set of steps, feeling like I could climb forever without tiring, and then stopped at the top to pose for a photo -- or rather, tried to stop, while the device walked me onward a few paces. It must take some getting used to.

Still, imagine how many cathedral steps we could climb without getting tired!

The second device is called the "Bodyweight Support Assist" and is a little more complex. You have to wear special shoes which are connected to a sort of saddle that you place in between your thighs. Judging by the Popular Science video, it's a little tricky to walk in but comes in handy if you need to crouch down for long periods of time. Again, this could come in handy when you just wanna take a break from sightseeing. Of course, these devices are better suited for those with real needs for mobility assistance. Remember what we learned from WALL-E, kids? Right?

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