![Hiking in Michigan Might Get Easier Because of This Invention](https://townsquare.media/site/694/files/2019/08/GettyImages-816888206-e1566224825451.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Hiking in Michigan Might Get Easier Because of This Invention
If you live in Michigan, you probably love getting outside and hiking (or running) through the woods. If you're like me, sometimes you do a little more than you should and you say to yourself, "Gee, I wish I had robotic shorts." Good news—somebody at Harvard has invented just that.
According to The Verge, researchers at Harvard have invented a battery-powered exosuit that's able to "assist the gluteal muscles in powering the legs." They've calculated that the "robotic shorts" have the energy saving effect equivalent to you being 12.6 pounds lighter while walking or 16.3 pounds lighter while running. The immediate reason for developing this is to assist soldiers who do a lot of hiking while carrying heavy loads. But they also hope the system "could one day help anyone with a disability that restricts walking."
More From WKMI
![Do You Remember the Worm Woman from Kalamazoo?](http://townsquare.media/site/689/files/2022/08/attachment-Untitled-1600-%2525C3%252597-1067-px-4.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![The Best Dog-Friendly Hiking Trails Near Allegan County](http://townsquare.media/site/689/files/2022/06/attachment-wade-austin-ellis-R44W-4uIL1g-unsplash.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![How Long Has Purchasing a Fishing License in Michigan Been Required for Anglers?](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2022/04/attachment-Fishing-in-Michigan-Lacy-James-TSM.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![This Really Creepy Mannequin is Just Hanging Out in the Kalamazoo River](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2022/04/attachment-Mannequin-in-Kalamazoo-River-Courtesy-Cam-Lindblade.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![An Open Letter To Kalamazoo: Pick Up Your Crap](http://townsquare.media/site/855/files/2022/03/attachment-Untitled-design-21.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Looking to Do Your Good Deed for the Day? Michigan DNR has Opportunities for That](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2022/03/attachment-Volunteers-for-Stewardship-program-Courtesy-Michigan-DNR1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fishing in Michigan? Check New Regulations While Making Your 2022 License Purchases](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2020/02/2-5-Trout-Fishing-Credit-Tim-Bachman-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fascinating Sinkholes in Lake Huron Shed Light on Earth’s Condition Billions of Years Ago](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2019/09/Sinkhole-Lake-Huron.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Battle Creek Area Teacher Shares Fun Frozen Bubble Experiment](http://townsquare.media/site/656/files/2021/02/Untitled-design-2021-02-16T113149.205.jpg?w=980&q=75)