Koma 1.5 will be both a buggy or a powered exoskeleton, as required

Once you’re carrying a heavy load, it may be fairly troublesome strolling throughout flat floor, not to mention climbing stairs. The Koma 1.5 is designed to assist, by alternately appearing as a powered buggy or a two-legged lower-body exoskeleton.

Presently in functioning prototype type, the machine is being developed by Panasonic subsidiary Atoun. Amongst different issues, the Japanese “powered put on” firm has beforehand introduced us the Mannequin Y and Himico assistive exoskeletons, which assist their wearers to elevate heavy gadgets and stroll over tough terrain, respectively.

The concept behind the Koma 1.5 is that when its load-carrying consumer is traversing clean, degree surfaces – like manufacturing unit or warehouse flooring, as an example – they only get up on the rig, maintain onto its two management arms, and get carried alongside by its 4 motorized wheels. This is named Buggy Mode, and it affords each the smoothest journey and the best operation.

Ought to the consumer must climb stairs or step over an impediment, although, the pushing of a button switches the setup over to Two-Legged Mode. Its two entrance wheels then retract again to type two powered, articulated “legs” that observe the actions of the consumer’s legs, supporting them as they step up and down.

As an added bonus, the Koma 1.5 is reportedly able to autonomously recognizing and avoiding obstacles, using its built-in digital camera and an AI-based pc imaginative and prescient system.

There’s at the moment no phrase on when or if the machine will attain manufacturing. For now, although, you possibly can see the prototype in motion, within the following video.

Supply: Atoun by way of IEEE Spectrum