Robotic suits named HAL, or "Hybrid Assistive limb" are demonstrated during a press conference at the headquarters of Cyberdyne, a new company in Tsukuba, outside Tokyo.

HAL, that reads brain signals and helps people with mobility problems, will be available to rent in Japan for US$2,200 for both legs and $1,500 for a one leg a month starting Friday — an invention that may have far-reaching benefits for the disabled and elderly.

Yoshiyuki Sanka a University of Tsukuba professor and chief executive of new company Cyberdyne, explains about the robotic suit named HAL, or 'hybrid assistive limb, he designed during a press conference at the headquarters of Cyberdyne in Tsukuba, outside Tokyo.