In Brief The prototype version has great potential, from assisting the elderly and disabled to scifi-esque neurological command pathways. However, many obstacles in voice integration and extended applications lie ahead. Alexa, Lets Stand Up

Canadian robotics company Bionik Laboratories has demonstrated a prototype of its Arke lower-body exoskeleton that can be controlled via Amazons voice assistant, Alexa.

In normal usage, the Arke is controlled using an array of sensors that respond to the wearers natural movements. However, as the user gets used to the exoskeleton, they typically use a tablet to issue instructions. Since this could be too much multitasking, some might find voice commands to be more intuitive.

Exoskeletons can also benefit able-bodied people for instance, the chairless chair could be a major boon to anyone working a job that requires them to stand for long periods of time. Of course, the most life-changing effects will be felt by people who dont have full control of their body.

Whether thecondition is caused by old age or disability, an exoskeleton can vastly improve the wearers quality of life. Integrating support for Alexa commands into the Arke makes this technology much more accessible.Click to View Full Infographic

While researchers have made progress toward developingnon-invasive brain implants that could potentially control an exoskeleton, this is still an intimidating prospect for many potential users. Issuing voice commands isnt anywhere near as daunting.

All this aside, theres plentyof work to be done before an Alexa-enabled version of the Arke is commercially available. To make good on the promised prototype, a plethora of certification requirements are needed if this exoskeleton is to graduate to the advanced applications.

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Amazon's Alexa Helps This Exoskeleton Respond to Spoken Instructions - Futurism