Japan Unveils Robot Suit that Enhances Human Power

A prototype robot suit, to be displayed at the World Exposition in Japan, will allow wearers to take a step, literally, into the world of science fiction. "HAL-5" can move on its own accord, enabling it to help elderly or handicapped people walk, help workers lift heavy loads or assist people with disabilities climb stairs:

AFP via Yahoo - The 15-kilogram (33-pound) battery-powered suit, code-named HAL-5, detects muscle movements through electrical-signal flows on the skin surface and then amplifies them.

"Humans may be able to mutate into supermen in the near future," said Yoshiyuki Sankai, professor and engineer at Tsukuba University who led the project.