Have you ever been so overworked that you wished you had an extra pair of arms? Or, like, have you ever wished you could share not just a book or a cup of coffee, but a pair of arms with a friend? I admit that this second question sounds strange. Bad.
Yet in the future it could be routine. At least that's what those who conducted a recent study conducted by the University of Tokyo think. Japanese researchers have imagined a world in which robotic arms could become a common accessory, enough to be shared among friends.
Do you by any chance have two extra arms?
The research team developed an experiment called the “Jizai Body Project”. It's based on some sort of tech backpack (by the way, off topic, you know they made one mouse backpack?) capable of supporting up to six robotic arms at a time. Yes, six! Doctor Octopus, move over.
But how do these extra arms work? Simple, they reflect the movements of a smaller “controller arm”. Raise your right arm on the controller and the right arm on your backpack will rise. Simpler than that.
First field tests
After collaborating on the design and construction, the researchers put themselves to the test by wearing the “Jizai Arms“, the robotic arms, for two days. During this period, they wrote down their reflections and even moods, documenting them with drawings, photos and much more.
In the participants' diaries we find very interesting comments although anonymous (obviously). The most striking example? That of researcher R-1, who reported feeling a “sense of loss” at the end of the experiment.
The future is now
Although these arms do not yet have advanced exoskeleton capabilities and are, in essence, “study” devices, the experience of wearing them and sharing them with others has led to a number of interesting considerations. Considerations that could shed new light on how the image of the body in the brain changes over time.
Clearly, there are still many questions to answer. But one thing is certain: the future of “augmented” humanity will be very unique. If you are interested, I will link the complete study here.
