Hyundai's Robotic Exoskeleton Is Straight Out of Our Sci-Fi Dreams

While Google continues to work on its self-driving car, automotive companies are finding new and creative ways to use exoskeletons, humanoid machines that people can essentially wear like a suit. BMW developed one that can aid its employees while they build their cars, and now Hyundai is working on its own robotic exoskeleton, which they call an "Iron Man suit." 

According to the Verge, the company could use the exoskeleton for factory work, military purposes and physical rehabilitation. Moreover, with an ability to enhance someone's overall strength if they're inside the suit, it can handle lifting roughly 220 pounds. In short, it would have some useful purposes on the market — though at the moment, there is no specific date for when it'll be commercialized. 

Really, the only issue with the exoskeleton might be its name. While "Iron Man suit" has a nice ring to it, the design truly embodies the Caterpillar P-5000 Work Loader used by Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) in Aliens. Or, as most people might refer to it, the awesome robotic loader Ripley uses to beat the shit out of the Xenomorph Queen, and deliver one of the best lines in sci-fi.  

While we don't expect Hyundai's exoskeleton to be used for such purposes, at least we have some cinematic evidence in the event of an alien encounter. 

Read more: Can You Look This Robot in the Eye Without Losing Your Sh*t?

h/t the Verge