11th Annual Meeting DIA Japan 2014

Robot Suit HAL is the world’s first cyborg-type robot developed by full use of Cybernics which is a new academic field (fused and interdisciplinary technology related to human, machine and information) consisting of neuroscience, motor physiology, robotics, information technology, behavior science, system integration technology, law, ethics and business management. HAL enhances and strengthens the limb motion of its wearer by detecting the weak bioelectrical signals through the body from the brain which generates the nerve signal to control the musculoskeletal system and promotes treatment for functional improvement, regeneration and acquisition for disabled people by spinal cord injury or stroke and also supports self-independent motion like activity of daily life and nursing-care motion when care-giver lifts patients. HAL has obtained CE marking, the certificate for all EU countries, as the first robotic therapeutic device and in Germany, application of public workers’ compensation insurance to cover the costs of using HAL for medical treatment has been implemented. Now, medical contributions with a new perspective that transcends boundaries are accelerating by research and development in the field of new combined therapies such as HAL therapy with regenerative medicine and/or pharmaceuticals.