Research from Harvard University's Wyss Institute have made "robotic shorts" that can help people use less energy when they walk or run.
A motor on the user's back pulls cables connected to the laps.
In the past, such devices have focused only on helping people walk or run, but not both, since walking and running use different hip(臀部) movements. But a computer on the shorts can tell which way the user is moving,
The researchers found that the main benefit of the shorts was reducing the energy people needed to walk or run. In tests, the energy needed for walking was reduced by 9.3 percent. Less energy was needed both on flat ground and on hills.
The researchers said that while the shorts weigh about 5 kilograms, moving with them makes users feel lighter. The tests showed that a person walking with the device would feel 4 kilograms lighter,
The team now also wants to make the device itself 40 percent lighter. They hope the shorts can help people in danger of injury at work and those who want to improve their physical performance,
Conor Walsh, who helped lead the study, says he hopes such devices will be available to everyone in the future.
A. as well as those with disabilities.
B. Are you eager to possess such kind of shorts?
C. and someone running would feel 5.7 kilograms lighter.
D. For running, people needed about 4 percent less energy.
E. but those excellent athletes are also able to benefit from running.
F. The shorts are made of soft material and are designed to be easy to move in.
G. allowing the device to provide the right kind of assistance for both movements.
