Enhanced Robotics: a sports exoskeleton that replaces dumbbells

Anicet Mbida 06:54 am, November 23, 2021

Innovation in sport this morning.

We know the exoskeletons that help to easily carry heavy loads.

There is now a sports exoskeleton that replaces the dumbbells.

It is a kind of motorized harness.

It is hung on the chest and along the arms.

You set the resistance at 5, 10 or 15 kg and when you raise your arms in the air, you will have the impression of really lifting 5, 10 or 15 kg.

As if we had dumbbells in our hands.

You could even imagine playing weightlifters safely.

As if we were lifting a bar with 100 kg on each side.

It would suffice to mimic the movement in the air.

The exoskeleton will oppose the same resistance.

But we no longer risk being crushed if we grind and the bar falls.

And could it work for the lower body too?

When you work your legs, for example ...

Yes.

There, it will be another model that is hung at the waist and which maintains the thighs.

It is the same principle as the pants or weighted vests used by athletes to make training more or less difficult.

A rather surprising use of the exoskeleton.

In principle, it is used in the other direction to accompany or facilitate a movement (to help paraplegics to walk or to limit the arduousness at work).

Except that these are often very expensive devices.

Some exceed 200,000 €.

The bet: to lower prices with models intended for well-being and fitness.

Thanks to the increase in volumes.

How much does this sports exoskeleton cost?

1,500 €.

So it's expensive, but not inaccessible.

It is offered by the Hong Kongers of Enhanced Robotics.

Their goal: to offer models that work in both directions: either in resistance mode for sport, or in assistance mode for a hike, a move or for work.

Maybe one day we'll end up renting exoskeletons from DIY stores, like renting a van or a sander today.