We must have been looking in the wrong direction. Whilst we have been reporting about exoskeletons being developed in the military sector which for now are still in testing with no idea when these will be issued, Panasonic, the Japanese electronics company, are about to produce commercially an exoskeleton designed to assist works for lifting heavily loads with ease and at lesser risk of injuries.

Developed in partnership with their subsidiary, ActiveLink, the exoskeleton is called the Panasonic Assist Suit AWN-03 (the Japanese have a penchant of calling these mechs as "suits"), it is about 13 pounds in weight and can be attached to the legs, feet, and thighs, and can assist a worker carry an extra 33 pounds of load. Though the military exoskeletons we are looking at can carry more than 33 pounds, Panasonic and ActiveLink are working on another Assist Suite that is larger and can carry up to 220 pounds.

The mechanical exoskeletons are designed to give super human strength to the user, allowing him or her carry more twice his or her weight. Thus, the military and industrial sectors are keen on the development of exoskeletons as they allow each personnel to carry more loads than ever before. Soldiers are carrying more equipment these days and workers can safely work on heavy loads without worrying about breaking their backs. Those who work in construction and warehouses will benefit most from the Assist Suit.

Japan has the most advanced robotics technology and with a growing number of senior population, it is seen that that exoskeletons will play a role to provide assistance to their mobility and ability to perform tasks that is required in the workplace. It won't be surprising if Panasonic or another Japanese company will be developing exoskeletons for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces given that the Chinese PLA are now working on exoskeletons for their ground troops given the geopolitical tensions in the East Asia.

Panasonic will be selling the basic Active Suit in starting in September 2015 and the price seen is US$8,000.00 but there are also looking into renting the exoskeletons out. It sounds expensive, but from a business point of view, it is a good investment in terms of increased productivity and lesser risk to injuries to workers.

Hat tip to Freon for the link.