Robot suit for rent in Japan to help people walk

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Robotic suits named HAL, or "hybrid assistive limb," are demonstrated during a press conference at the headquarters of Cyberdyne, a new company in Tsukuba, outside Tokyo, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2008. HAL, that reads brain signals and helps people with mobility problems, will be available to rent in Japan for US$2,200 for both legs and $1,500 for a one leg a month starting Friday -- an invention that may have far-reaching benefits for the disabled and elderly. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

(AP) -- A robotic suit that reads brain signals and helps people with mobility problems will be available to rent in Japan for $2,200 a month starting Friday - an invention that may have far-reaching benefits for the disabled and elderly.