Japan's oldest pilgrimage route is an unlikely test site for cutting-edge technology. Last week a robotic suit took its first steps around the Japanese Island of Shikoku.
At 1200km long, the 88 Temple Trail is one of the most daunting long-distance hikes in the world. It's a distance that could be a lot easier with the help of a robotic exo-skeleton.
In collaboration with All Nippon Airways Holdings and the WalkMate robotic suit was taken on a proof-of-concept outing on the ancient walkways.
Developed in the Miyake laboratory of Tokyo Tech, the powered suit looks like it has just walked out of a sci-fi film. Designed to help tourists with muscular or balance impediments, it optimises their walking and gives strength to hikers to help them make challenging walking journeys.
![The Walk-Mate robotic suit at Mount Koya. Photo / Walk Mate Lab, All Nippon Airways](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/CPBS63IDFJS53XLTV6XDJQGF4U.jpg?auth=d1f1daa34ba3ea5c521c3ac7955112a6386db7410bde32b33f8cbf215f1fa526&width=16&height=9&quality=70&smart=true)
Learning the wearer's gait and adding strength and power to the walker's arms and legs - the robotic suit adapts to the walking habits of the user.