Robotic Shorts Can Extend Energy for Walking or Running Researchers have created a wearable 1 they say can extend energy while providing assistance for walking and running . The robotic device , called an exosuit , is described in a study in the magazine Science . Researchers from Harvard University's Wyss Institute say the exosuit demonstrates greatpossibilities for future inventions of lightweight wearables that could have mass appeal . Many wearable assistive devices developed in the past have been 2 mainly to help people with physical disabilities . The new exosuits could also help disabled people . However , they could also provide energy and speed to everyone . The device is about five kilograms . It was built to be " simplified and nonrestrictive " 3 to other wearable devices . The robotic shorts are made of soft , stretchy material . A computer and motor control the device , which attaches around the waist and thighs . Cables connect the motor to the user'supper leg . With each step , the system creates pressure on the cables . This gives 4 to the upper leg muscles . The team called its system a " breakthrough " in wearable technology . One reason for this is that it is very difficult to build a device to assist both walking and running . Past developmentshave centered on either activity , but not both . Walking and running use different hip movements , also known as a person's gait . The new exosuit uses sensors and an algorithm to help it recognize which gait is being used . The device then attempts to provide assistance with walking or running motions . The study found that a main result of this assistance is a 5 in the " metabolic cost " to a walker or runner . Metabolism is the process by which living things t urn food into energy . A reduced metabolic rate means a person will use less energy while performing a physical activity . In tests , the exosuit reduced the metabolic rate of walking by 9.3 percent , the researchers said . For running , the metabolic cost dropped about 4 percent . Less energy was required in tests involving flat surfaces as well as on hills , the study found . Conor Walsh is a professor at the Wyss Institute . He helped lead the study . He admitted that the metabolic reductions were not huge . But he said the research presents possibilities for further development in wearable device technology . Walsh said the study 6 that a lightweight wearable assisting device can help " p ave the way for these systems to become ubiquitous in our lives ." The researchers noted that the lower metabolic rates also have the effect of making a person feel lighter . The testing showed that a person walking with the device would feel 7.4 kilogramslighter . A runner would feel 5.7 kilograms lighter . The team is still doing research . No devices are currently 7 to the public . One of the team's major 8 is to reduce the weight of the device by at least 40 percent . Researchers also plan to add more individualized assistance possibilities . They also hope to improve the system to fit as many uses as possible . In 9 to people with disabilities , the team hopes the devices can help people at risk forwork injuries as well as those who just want to improve their 10 performance . I'm Bryan Lynn .