Robotic suits, mounted to employees' waists, are being used by baggage handlers at Haneda Airport to assist with manual labor.
According to a report by the Asahi Shimbun, the Hybrid Assistive Limb (HAL), developed by Cyberdyne Inc., provides support to help avoid backs strain and other injuries. The report states the device was adopted on a trial basis by Airport Transport Service Co. last autumn, and many employees gave it a positive review.
Citing Cyberdyne, the article stated this is the first time the unit has been introduced for the purpose of hard labor on a large scale.
