Nelson, New Zealand -- (SBWIRE) -- 12/16/2015 -- Researchers from Japan's Hiroshima University have created a robotic exoskeleton which features an air hose – applied over the body to imitate the movements of muscle. It could potentially be worn by people with physical disabilities to help improve crucial areas of their mobility. The surprising feature of a hose is a liberating aspect of the design, as it means that heavy batteries and motors no longer have to be used, allowing the wearer to harness their own weight. The design has been given the title the Unplugged Power Suit and shows an exciting development in lightweight robotics. It also shows the essential nature of good basic materials, especially quality hose, which has attracted great attention from industry experts such as The Hosemaster.

The Unplugged Powered Suit (UPS) is so lightweight, and therefore highly innovative, with the hose passing up the leg of the wearer, into a pneumatic muscle. The design incorporates a pump under the users foot which they press as they walk, pushing air up the hose where it is relayed to the muscle, making it contract. This allows the whole unit to mimic the relaxing and contracting of actual muscles.

This development of pneumatic muscle aided by air hose is obviously exciting, and a piece of news that The Hosemaster was keen to comment on. The company is an industry expert and provides equipment throughout the pneumatic and hydraulic sectors.

A spokesperson had this to say:

"We think that the developments using air hose are highly inspiring. It shows the versatile and practical nature of what's on the surface seems like a simple piece of equipment. What is especially exciting is that this may well be incorporated into medical technologies of the future, helping people with limited mobility and other serious conditions. We supply a range of air hoses to industries and to see them being used in such an innovative way is great."

About The Hosemaster
The Hosemaster is a highly experienced supplier of a range of hose, fittings and accessories both for industrial and domestic purposes. They have an extensive online selection also and for more information you can visit their website www.thehosemaster.co.uk.

PR Contact:
Company name: The Hosemaster
Tel: 01282 604002
Website: www.thehosemaster.co.uk
Contact person: Mark Schofield
Email: sales@thehosemaster.co.uk
Address: 5/6 Kenyon Court
Kenyon Road
Nelson
BB9 5TF