Exoskeletons do the heavy lifting to help those in need
Dec 03, 2024
HONOLULU (KHON2) - Imagine becoming like Ironman to help you with daily activities like lifting heavy boxes or even people. It could be more of a reality than you think. KHON2 took a look at the latest technology that has the potential to help all sorts of folks in more ways than one.
Get Hawaii's latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You
We focused on exoskeletons that are the German Bionic Apogee and Apogee Plus. They're mechanical and battery-operated.
Servco Pacific Inc. partnered with the robotics firm German Bionic to introduce these devices to Hawaii. Servco Commercial Fleet Manager Carsen Chun believes they can be a game changer.
Tech Savvy Teens keep kupuna up to date in growing digital world
"It takes up to 80 pounds off your back. So let's say you're lifting 90 pounds, you only really feel 10 pounds on your back," said Chun. "We brought this over here as a mobility solution, not only with vehicles, but to enhance the human and community experience with safety. To ensure safety throughout our communities and our workers throughout Hawaii."
They're not just used for lifting heavy equipment. You can also use them to help people using the handlebars on the sides.
"And as the employee is picking up the patient, this will help assist lift the patient up safely. And you can safely put down the patient because it has a resistance function," said Chun.
Lou Erteschick of the Hawaii Disability Rights Center said caring for others take a lot of strength. Any support, even mechanical, helps.
"Being a caregiver, I mean, it's physically, it's emotionally, it's very draining, especially when you talk about people that are in that sort of middle generation, where maybe you got kids and then you got an elder parent. So they have a lot of demands being put on them," said Erteschick.
Erteschick said this kind of technology has the potential to help those regain mobility for a more independent lifestyle.
Check out more news from around Hawaii
"They could help transfer you out of a wheelchair and put you into a car and take you for a ride, or, you know, or get out into the community. So yeah, at the Disability Rights Center, one of our main things is to help people with disabilities live as integrated into the community as they possibly can, so you could live a so called normal life, right?" said Erteschick.