Cyberdyne, a Japanese firm, has secured certification in Germany, for its robotic suit as a medical device. It is designed to help people with leg disabilities to walk again.
HAL is a cyborg-type robot that can expand, supplement and improve physical capability.
The robot non-invasively captures biosignals beneath the skin, sent by the brain to a muscle through a nerve when a person intends to move. On capturing the biosignals, HAL moves accordingly to the muscle movement.
The HAL received certification from TUV Rheinland, a German-based safety certification service only after Cyberdyne made more than 130 improvements in safety and other areas.
This approval allows the company to begin clinical studies in Europe now.
Cyberdyne will export about 12 HAL robots to a German hospital group, Bergmannsheil. A total of 100 individuals with leg disabilities are expected to take part in the study.
Cyberdyne also plans to launch HAL robot in the US and Asia.