No Lifting ? A novel solution!

[donmurray]

Why not Nurses too? (don't tell your manager!)

Bionic legs give soldiers a boost

US researchers have developed strap-on robotic legs to allow people to carry heavy loads over long distances.

The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton, or Bleex, is part of a US defence project designed to be used mainly by infantry soldiers.

The device consists of a pair of mechanical metal leg braces including a power unit and a backpack-like frame.

More than 40 sensors and hydraulic mechanisms calculate how to distribute weight just like the nervous system.

These help minimise the load for the wearer.

A large rucksack carried on the back contains an engine, control system and space for a payload.

"There is no joystick, no keyboard, no push button to drive the device," said Homayoon Kazerooni, director of the Robotics and Human Engineering Laboratory at the University of California.

Brace yourself

The Bleex exoskeleton has a small, purpose-built combustion engine built into it. On a full tank the system should be able to run for up to two hours.

The device's leg braces are attached to a modified pair of army boots and connected to the user's legs.

In the lab, subjects have walked around in the 45kg (100lbs) exoskeleton plus a 31.5kg (70lbs) backpack and reported that it felt like they were carrying little over 2kg (5lbs).

"The design of this exoskeleton really benefits from human intellect and the strength of the machine," said Dr Kazerooni.

The project has been funded by the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa).

But Dr Kazerooni thinks the exoskeleton could be used with equal success by firefighters.

"They're really good, it turns out, at enabling firefighters, soldiers, post-disaster rescue crews to carry heavy loads over great distances for hours," he said.

Story from BBC NEWS:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/sci/tech/3502194.stm

Published: 2004/03/11 16:11:49 GMT

© BBC MMIV

[Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN]

Add this item to my Christmas list, along with a new back...

[Blackcat99]

:chuckle You're right! Don't let our nursing managers find out about this! Can you imagine? We would all have to wear strap-on robotic legs and a large rucksack on our backs when we go to work.

[gwenith, BSN, RN]

Don't forget teh army boots!!!

All teh better for kicking those laggard interns into shape:chuckle

[nekhismom]

A few nights ago, after dealing with residents, I found myself thinking the following, "If there is one thing more obvious on a hospital floor than a new nurse, it HAS to be a resident." Some of our residents are just plain pathetic!

I like the exoskeleton idea. Maybe then I wouldn't have to lose weight! HA HA HA

[tiliimnrn]

You won't believe what is going on now.......I'm warning all of you so if this happens in your hospital you'll be aware. My place of employment wanted all of us to attend a class that shows us how to use the new lifting equipment. We all thought, just another pain in the (axe) thing to make the monkeys do. Well, they wanted everyone to sign this sheet of paper saying that they had attended the class and that they agree they will not attempt to lift anyone alone. One of the nurses asked if that means that if something happens and one of us gets hurt do we still get comp? The instructor wouldn't answer, she just said, that would be a matter for your NM to deal with as a job infraction.

WHAT THE _____DOES THAT MEAN?:angryfire The nurse asked again....do we get paid if we get hurt or not? And the instructor repeated the same thing. So, my suggestion is........don't sign anything. If they ask why, just tell them I'm not signing my rights away.