What If You Had 8 Arms?... Introducing the 'Robot Arms' Worn on the Back Like a Bag

Detachable Up to 6 Units... Aiming for a 'Third Arm' Function

A robotic arm that can be worn on the back like a backpack has been developed in Japan, attracting attention. Although its specific use has not been disclosed, it is said to be designed with the purpose of serving as a third arm that can interact with humans.

A robotic engineer affiliated with the University of Tokyo recently revealed the robotic arm called 'Jizai Arms' that a person can wear on their back through the official website of the research institute.

Jizai Arms consists of a main body shaped like a backpack and robotic arms extending from the main body. The robotic arms are connected by various fine joints and can perform multiple movements such as bending the arm or gripping with the hand. Up to six robotic arms can be attached to one main body.

Jizai Arms Robot Arm. [Image source=Jizai Arms]

According to the information released by the research team, the main body weighs 4.1 kg, and with four additional robotic arms, the total weight reaches about 14 kg.

The video posted on the website shows the robot moving quite smoothly, and also captures scenes where two people wearing the robotic backpack hold hands with each other's robotic arms, demonstrating advanced interaction.

However, the research team did not specifically disclose how the robot is controlled, nor did they explain the purpose for which the robot was developed.

It can be worn on the back like a bag. [Image source=Jizai Arms]

Nevertheless, the robotic arms are expected to function as "extra arms" to assist the human body. They could be especially useful when one person needs to perform multiple tasks simultaneously in places such as factories, warehouses, and hospitals.

In this regard, the research team defined Jizai Arms on their website as a "materialized body." It means that using robotics and control technology, it is a detachable mechanical device that supports the human body.

The research team explained, "This system will enable social interactions among multiple wearers, such as arm exchange," and added, "We also considered the aesthetic aspects of a 'digital cyborg' while implementing the system."