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Farming ^[5] is backbreaking work even when you’re young–all that bending down repeatedly under the beating sun can take its toll. Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology think they have a fix for aging farmers: a robo-suit that makes workers’ arms and legs stronger. The metal and plastic device features eight electric ^[6] motors as well as a voice-recognition system and sensors that track movement.

So far, the researchers have developed two models. One 66 pound model is intended for heavy lifting, while a smaller model is designed for easier jobs–i.e. picking grapes. According to researchers working on the project, the robo-suits can cut down on users’ physical exertion by 62%.

Such technology doesn’t come cheap. When the robo-suit goes on sale in Japan ^[7] in 2012, researchers expect that it will cost $11,000. It will still probably sell well, however, since two-thirds of Japan’s agricultural workers are over 65. Next up: adding augmented reality technology to the suits. Augmented reality ^[8] goggles could, for example, tell workers when grapes are ripe. They could also keep track of  users’ vital signs.

Sadly, the robo-suits probably won’t be manufactured outside of Japan. That’s because younger migrant workers are responsible for the majority of farming duties in Europe and the U.S.

+ Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology

Via Physorg ^[9]