MIT Develops a Suit That Makes You Feel Like You’re` 75 Years Old
By Price, Emily; Gizmag,Publication Date: January 2, 2012
Article describes a suit that enables its wearer to experience physical limitations similar to those of many older people. Developed at the Agelab of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Age Gain Now Empathy System, or AGNES, was designed to help professionals designing public transportation and retail spaces for seniors understand the challenges this age group may face. Braces on the suit mimic joint stiffness and make it hard to walk, leg straps limit the speed of locomotion, and a helmet forces the wearer’s head forward, mimicking the curved spine of an older adult. Yellow goggles and earplugs complement the outfit, making it difficult for the wearer to read and hear things. To test AGNES, Agelab researchers sent students out to grocery stores wearing the suit to find products that are typically purchased by older adults, and the students found it difficult to do so. The article includes the link to a video showing the testing of the suit.
Published by: Gizmag Pty Ltd (Website:http://www.gizmag.com/)
Link to text: http://www.gizmag.com/mit-suit-75-years-old/20982/
Link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=czuww9rp5f4
