We begin with a lede and an exhilarating non sequitur:
Japan has taken a step into the science-fiction world with the release of a "robot suit" that can help workers lift heavy loads or assist people with disabilities climb stairs."Humans may be able to mutate into supermen in the near future," said Yoshiyuki Sankai, professor and engineer at Tsukuba University who led the project. ...The prototype suit will be displayed at the World Exposition that is currently taking place in Aichi prefecture, central Japan.
Physiological transcendence aside, mechanical exoskeletons have titillated sci-fi writers, readers, audiences and gamers for the better part of three decades. Christened HAL-5, the suit can both augment and stimulate locomotion, aiding the feeble and convalescent. It might even save nerds who suffer the silica-kicks of beach bullies several months of the Charles Atlas method — winning them a chance for a girl like Partner Ballroom Dance Robot, or PBDR, also at Aichi:
Japanese scientists have created a dancing robot for lonely ballroom dancers short of a partner to hit the floor with. The Partner Ballroom Dance Robot can predict the dance steps of its human partner to glide effortlessly across the room, reports Sky News.
The robot, which uses a sensory devise under its ballgown to follow its companion's steps, moves with the help of three wheels, also located under its dress. Apart from its mouse-like-ears, the android takes the form of a woman's figure, but potential partners should be warned that the robot is not light on its feet.
At 5ft 4in tall and weighing in at some 16 stone, this dance partner could inflict some pretty serious damage if it treads on your toes.
And if the evening goes sour, a slap that could likely knock a man across the floor. Still, your own monochromatic, metal-plastic composite Ginger Rogers would be a prize at a dance marathon. Do androids dream of electric fleet feet? Ask the Japanese. (Special thanks to Jonn Sokol.)