Yesterday, we were talking about Gundam and the statue made to commemorate the Gundam saga that we nearly missed what is to be the most impressive robot ever built. Well, not a robot exactly but a mechanized exoskeleton. Kind of like a real-life Gundam robot but only able to mimic the user's precise movements. And believe it or not, it actually works.

Meet Carlos Owens, 31, from Wasilla, Alaska, builder of an 18-foot-tall, one ton weighing prototype of an exoskeleton that is able to mimic his exact movements. Well, not all of his exact movements right now but some day, it will be able to do so. Currently, this cool mecha can raise its arms, bend its knees and even do sit-ups. Which, ironically is what most humans nowadays can do (ask a couch potato to do a sit-up, I dare ya).

In order to make his robot move, he chose to use a pretty complex network of cables and hydraulic cylinders. The system is what allows the exoskeleton to mimic Carlos Owens' exact movements. This prototype is the second generation of exosuits designed by Owens, the first one being a full-scale model made out of wood. He is now working on two more prototypes, aiming to make it lighter and more maneuverable.

While he does see the possibility for this device to be used in military applications, he has a totally different thing in mind for his bots: two mechas getting it on in a one on one battle. Kind of like in the 1990's movie Robot Jox (feel free to Google it). It took him 4 years and 25,000 USD in order to complete this robot but it is a worthy endeavor to undertake. I am definitely looking forward to seeing the next two models.


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