Interactive transcript · 183 lines
Hello everyone and welcome to TalkCast, the podcast where we dive deep into the latest trends in
大家好，欢迎收听 TalkCast，这是一个深入探讨最新趋势的
technology, science, and society, making complex ideas simple and engaging.
科技、科学与社会，让复杂的理念变得简单且引人入胜。
I am your host, Emma.
我是你们的主持人，艾玛。
Today, we are discussing a fascinating story that went viral during the recent holiday.
今天，我们要讨论一个在最近假期中走红的迷人故事。
If you visited Mount Yimei, one of China's most famous mountains, you might have spotted something
如果你去过中国最著名的山峰之一沂蒙山，你可能会发现一些
straight out of a science fiction movie.
宛如科幻电影里走出来的东西。
Tourists were climbing steep steps wearing a lightweight metallic device strapped to their legs and backs.
游客们正戴着绑在腿和背上的轻质金属装置攀爬陡峭的台阶。
It turns out, these are exoskeleton climbing assistant robots, available for rent.
原来，这些是可供租用的外骨骼爬山辅助机器人。
They weigh only about 2 kilograms, yet they can provide around 10 kilograms of walking assistance,
它们仅重约2公斤，却能提供大约10公斤的步行辅助，
saving up to 30 % of a climber's physical energy.
节省高达30%的登山者体能消耗。
It sounds like magic, doesn't it?
这听起来像魔法，不是吗？
To help us understand the science behind this incredible technology, we are joined today by Dr.
为了帮助我们理解这一难以置信的技术背后的科学，我们今天邀请到了博士
Charles, a leading expert in biomechatronics and wearable robotics.
查尔斯，他是生物机电一体化和可穿戴机器人领域的顶尖专家。
Welcome to the show, Charles.
欢迎来到本节目，查尔斯。
Thank you, Emma.
谢谢你，艾玛。
It is absolutely wonderful to be here with you and our listeners today.
今天能和您以及我们的听众在一起，绝对是一件非常美好的事。
I am thrilled to talk about this topic because exoskeletons are finally stepping out of research
我非常激动能谈论这个话题，因为外骨骼终于走出了研究
labs and entering the lives of everyday people.
实验室，走进普通人的生活。
Seeing them on Mount Yimei is a huge milestone for our field.
在沂蒙山上看到它们，对于我们这个领域来说是一个巨大的里程碑。
It really is amazing.
这真的很令人惊叹。
When most of us hear the word exoskeleton, we think of Hollywood movies like Iron Man, where
当我们大多数人听到外骨骼这个词时，我们会想到像《钢铁侠》这样好莱坞电影，其中
characters wear massive, heavy suits of armor.
角色们穿着庞大、沉重的盔甲。
But the devices at Mount Yimei are tiny, weighing only about 2 kilograms.
但沂蒙山上的装置却很微小，仅重约2公斤。
Charles, could you start by explaining what an exoskeleton actually is in the real world and how it
查尔斯，您能先解释一下外骨骼在现实世界中究竟是什么，以及它
is different from those movie versions?
与那些电影版本有何不同？
That is a great starting point, Emma.
这是一个很好的切入点，艾玛。
In biology, an exoskeleton is an external skeleton that supports and protects an animal's body, like
在生物学中，外骨骼是支撑和保护动物身体的外部骨骼，比如
the shell of a crab.
螃蟹的壳。
In engineering, a wearable exoskeleton is an external structural mechanism worn by a human.
在工程学中，可穿戴外骨骼是人类佩戴的外部结构机构。
Its main job is to work in tandem with the user to increase their physical strength, endurance, or mobility.
它的主要工作是与用户协同工作，以增加他们的体力、耐力或灵活性。
Now, unlike the heavy, full -body armored suits we see in sci -fi movies, real -world consumer
现在，与我们在科幻电影中看到的沉重的全身装甲服不同，现实世界的消费级
exoskeletons are designed to be extremely lightweight and minimalist.
外骨骼被设计得极其轻便且极简。
We do not want to encase the whole body.
我们不想把整个身体包裹起来。
Instead, we target specific joints.
相反，我们针对特定的关节。
For mountain climbing or walking, we focus primarily on the hip and knee joints.
对于登山或步行，我们主要关注髋关节和膝关节。
The goal is not to make you a superhero who can throw cars, but rather to gently assist your natural
目标不是让你成为一个能扔汽车的超级英雄，而是温和地辅助你的自然
muscles so you do not get tired as quickly.
肌肉，这样你就不会那么快感到疲劳。
That makes sense.
这很有道理。
We want to work with our bodies, not replace them.
我们希望与我们的身体协同工作，而不是取代它们。
But there is a fascinating number in the news reports.
但新闻报道中有一个引人入胜的数字。
The device itself weighs only 2 kilograms, but it provides up to 10 kilograms of assistance?
该装置本身仅重2公斤，但它能提供高达10公斤的辅助？
How is that possible?
这怎么可能？
How can something so light lift or support so much weight?
如此轻的东西怎么能举起或支撑这么重的重量？
It sounds like a paradox, does it not?
这听起来像是个悖论，不是吗？
How can a 2 kilogram device give you a 10 kilogram push?
一个2公斤重的装置怎么能给你提供10公斤的推力呢？
The secret lies in a concept we call torque and mechanical advantage.
其秘密在于我们称之为扭矩和机械优势的概念。
Think of a simple lever or crowbar.
想想一个简单的杠杆或撬棍。
With a lever, you can lift a heavy rock using very little effort because the tool multiplies your force.
有了杠杆，你可以用很少的力气举起一块大石头，因为这个工具倍增了你的力量。
The exoskeleton acts like a smart, motorized lever attached to your leg joints.
外骨骼表现得像一个附着在你腿部关节上的智能机动杠杆。
Inside the device, there are small but highly efficient motors called actuators.
在装置内部，有一些被称为执行器的体积小但高效的马达。
These actuators generate rotational force, which we call torque, right at your hip joint.
这些执行器在你的髋关节处产生旋转力，我们称之为扭矩。
When you lift your leg to take a step, the motor pushes in the same direction, reducing the work
当你抬腿迈步时，电机沿同一方向推动，从而减少了工作量
your thigh muscles have to do.
你大腿肌肉必须做的功。
Because the device is strapped securely to your thigh and waist, it transfers this force directly to
由于该装置牢固地系在你的大腿和腰部，它将这种力量直接传递到
your skeletal system.
你的骨骼系统。
So the device itself is light, but the mechanical help it offers feels like someone is gently
所以设备本身很轻，但它提供的机械辅助感觉就像有人在轻轻地
lifting you up from behind with a force of 10 kilograms.
从后面以10千克的力量将你托起。
Ah, a smart lever.
啊，一个聪明的杠杆。
That is a wonderful analogy.
这是一个极好的类比。
So it is basically boosting our own movements.
所以它基本上是在增强我们自身的动作。
But how does the machine know when I want to take a step?
但是机器怎么知道我想迈出一步呢？
If I stop to take a photo of the beautiful mountain scenery, does the robot keep trying to push my
如果我停下来给美丽的群山风景拍照，机器人会一直试图推我的
leg forward?
腿向前吗？
That is actually the most challenging part of designing wearable robots.
这实际上是设计可穿戴机器人最具挑战性的部分。
It involves what we call human -robot interaction and gait recognition.
这涉及到我们所说的人机交互和步态识别。
Gait simply means the pattern or manner of how a person walks.
步态简单来说就是一个人走路的模式或方式。
A complete gait cycle starts when one foot hits the ground and ends when that same foot hits the
一个完整的步态循环开始于一只脚着地，结束于同一只脚
ground again.
再次着地。
To make sure the robot moves in perfect harmony with you, it is packed with tiny sensors.
为了确保机器人与你完美和谐地运动，它配备了微小的传感器。
These include accelerometers and gyroscopes, similar to the ones inside your smartphone that detect
这些包括加速度计和陀螺仪，类似于你智能手机内部用来检测的那些
when you tilt your screen.
当你倾斜屏幕时。
These sensors measure the angle of your joints, the speed of your legs, and the acceleration of your
这些传感器测量你关节的角度、腿部的速度以及你的加速度
steps in real time.
步伐实时。
This data is sent to a tiny onboard computer, which acts as the robot's brain.
这些数据被发送到一个微小的机载计算机，它充当机器人的大脑。
This brain uses advanced algorithms to predict your next move in milliseconds.
这个大脑使用先进的算法在几毫秒内预测你的下一步动作。
If you stop to take a photo, the sensors detect the sudden deceleration and hold still posture and
如果你停下来拍照，传感器会检测到突然的减速并保持静止的姿势，
the motors instantly pause.
电机立即暂停。
When you start walking again, it recognizes the initial sway of your body and immediately provides support.
当你再次开始行走时，它能识别出你身体的最初摇晃并立即提供支持。
It feels almost like the machine is reading your mind, but it is actually just reading your body language.
感觉就像机器在读你的心思，但实际上它只是在读你的身体语言。
That is incredible.
这真是难以置信。
It is like a highly attentive dance partner who anticipates your next step before you even fully
它就像一个高度专注的舞伴，甚至在你完全
make it.
完成它。
Now, the news mentions that this device saves up to 30 % of a climber's physical energy.
现在，新闻提到这个设备可以节省高达30%的登山者体能。
For our listeners who are fitness enthusiasts, how do scientists actually measure that 30 % energy saving?
对于作为健身爱好者的听众，科学家们究竟是如何测量这30%的能量节省的呢？
Do you look at heart rates, or is there another method?
你们是看心率，还是有其他方法？
We use a fascinating method called metabolic rate measurement.
我们使用一种被称为代谢率测量的迷人方法。
When you exercise or climb a mountain, your muscles need oxygen to burn fuel and create energy.
当你锻炼或爬山时，你的肌肉需要氧气来燃烧燃料并产生能量。
The harder your muscles work, the more oxygen they consume, and the more carbon dioxide you breathe out.
你的肌肉工作越努力，它们消耗的氧气就越多，你呼出的二氧化碳也就越多。
In our research labs, we have volunteers walk on treadmills at different inclines while wearing a
在我们的研究实验室里，我们让志愿者戴着特殊的面具 在不同坡度的跑步机上行走
special mask.
特殊的面具。
This mask measures the exact amount of oxygen they inhale and carbon dioxide they exhale.
这个面具精确测量他们吸入的氧气量和呼出的二氧化碳量。
By comparing their oxygen consumption while walking with the exoskeleton versus walking without it,
通过比较他们穿着外骨骼走路与不穿着外骨骼走路时的耗氧量，
we can calculate the exact difference in metabolic energy.
我们可以计算代谢能量的确切差值。
A 30 % reduction is huge.
30%的减少是巨大的。
To put it in perspective, it feels like carrying a backpack that is suddenly 30 % lighter, or
从另一个角度来看，这感觉就像背着一个突然轻了30%的背包，或者
climbing a steep hill as if it were a much flatter slope.
爬一个陡峭的山坡，就好像它是一个平缓得多的斜坡。
It delays the point where your muscles begin to burn with lactic acid, allowing you to walk much
它推迟了你肌肉开始因乳酸而灼痛的时间，使你在感到精疲力竭之前能走得更远
further before feeling exhausted.
在感到筋疲力尽之前走得更远。
Wow, 30 % is a massive difference.
哇，30%是一个巨大的差距。
It could mean the difference between enjoying a beautiful hike and waking up the next day with
这可能意味着享受一次美妙的远足与第二天醒来时之间的区别。
incredibly sore legs.
难以置信的酸痛腿部。
Now, Charles, until recently, we mostly heard about exoskeletons being used in military applications
查尔斯，直到最近，我们大多数时候听到外骨骼被用于军事应用
to help soldiers carry heavy loads, or in medical rehabilitation to help paralyzed patients walk again.
以帮助士兵负重，或者在医疗康复中帮助瘫痪的患者重新行走。
Why are we suddenly seeing them on tourist mountains for everyday consumers?
为什么我们突然在旅游的山区看到普通消费者使用它们？
What changed?
是什么发生了改变？
Several major breakthroughs technology have come together to make this possible.
几项重大的技术突破结合在一起，使这成为可能。
First is the battery technology.
首先是电池技术。
In the past, wearable robots required heavy, bulky batteries that would run out of power in less
过去，可穿戴机器人需要沉重且笨重的电池，这些电池在不到
than an hour.
一小时内就会耗尽电量。
Thanks to the rapid development of electric vehicles and smartphones, we now have lightweight
由于电动汽车和智能手机的快速发展，我们现在有了轻量级
lithium batteries that can store a lot of energy and last for hours.
能够储存大量能量并持续数小时的锂电池。
Second is the materials.
其次是材料。
We now use carbon fiber and aerospace -grade aluminum alloys, which are incredibly strong but
我们现在使用碳纤维和航空级铝合金，它们极其坚固但
extremely light.
极其轻便。
And third, and perhaps most importantly, the cost of motors and microchips has dropped significantly.
第三，也许最重要的是，马达和微芯片的成本已经显著下降。
Ten years ago, a medical exoskeleton could easily cost upwards of $100 ,000.
十年前，一个医疗外骨骼轻易就能花费超过10万美元。
Today, consumer -grade assistant devices can be manufactured for a fraction of that cost, which
今天，消费级辅助设备的制造成本只需其中的一小部分，这
allows scenic spots like Mount M .A.
允许像M.A.山这样的风景区
to rent them out to tourists for a very reasonable hourly fee, like 49 .9 RMB per hour.
以非常合理的小时费用（比如每小时49.9元人民币）把它们租给游客。
That is a fantastic example of how technology matures and becomes accessible to the public.
这是一个极好的例子，展示了技术如何成熟并为公众所接受。
But as these devices become more common, I have to ask about safety.
但随着这些设备变得越来越普遍，我不得不问及安全性。
Are there any risks?
有什么风险吗？
For example, if the machine pushes my leg too hard, could it hurt my joints?
例如，如果机器用力推我的腿，会伤害我的关节吗？
Or what happens if the battery suddenly dies while I am mid -step on a steep cliff?
或者如果我在陡峭的悬崖上走到半步时电池突然没电了会发生什么？
Those are excellent and very practical questions, Emma.
艾玛，这些是非常优秀且实用的问题。
Safety is always the number one priority in physical -human -robot interaction.
在人机物理交互中，安全永远是第一优先事项。
To prevent joint injury, these exoskeletons have both software and hardware safety limits.
为了防止关节受伤，这些外骨骼具备软件和硬件安全限制。
On the hardware side, the joints have physical stoppers that prevent the device from bending beyond
在硬件方面，关节有物理限位器，可防止设备弯曲超出
the natural range of motion of human joints.
人类关节的自然运动范围。
So even if the motor goes wild, it physically cannot force your leg into an unnatural position.
所以即使马达失控，它物理上也无法强行将你的腿置于不自然的位置。
On the software side, the motors are programmed with torque limits.
在软件方面，马达编程设定了扭矩限制。
If the device senses sudden resistance, for example, if you trip or slip, the motor immediately
如果设备检测到突然的阻力，例如如果你绊倒或滑倒，马达会立即
shuts off or enters a free -wheel mode, which means it offers zero resistance and lets you move
关闭或进入自由轮模式，这意味着它提供零阻力并让你能够移动
naturally to regain your balance.
自然地恢复你的平衡。
If the battery dies, the device simply becomes a passive frame.
如果电池没电了，设备就会变成一个被动的框架。
Since it only weighs two kilograms, it might feel like a slightly heavy pair of trousers, but it
因为它只重两公斤，感觉可能就像一条稍微有点重的裤子，但它
will not lock up or cause you to fall.
不会锁死或导致你摔倒。
That is very reassuring to hear.
听到这个让人感到非常安心。
It sounds like the engineers have really thought through these real -world scenarios.
听起来工程师们确实仔细考虑了这些现实世界的场景。
Looking to the future, Charles, how do you see this technology evolving?
展望未来，查尔斯，你认为这项技术将如何演变？
Are we going to see people wearing exoskeletons in daily life, perhaps to the supermarket or on
我们是否会在日常生活中看到人们穿着外骨骼，也许是去超市还是去
their morning runs?
进行他们的早晨跑步？
I absolutely believe so, Emma.
艾玛，我绝对这么认为。
While hiking is a fantastic, fun application, the real societal value of this technology lies in
虽然远足是一个奇妙、有趣的应用，但这项技术的真正的社会价值在于
assisting our aging population.
协助我们老龄化的人口。
As people get older, their muscle mass naturally decreases and their joints wear out, which makes
随着人们年龄的增长，他们的肌肉量自然减少，关节磨损，这使得
simple tasks like climbing stairs or carrying groceries difficult.
像爬楼梯或提杂货这样简单的任务变得困难。
A lightweight, affordable exoskeleton could give elderly individuals their independence back.
一个轻量、负担得起的外骨骼可以让老年人重新获得独立。
They could walk to the park, play with their grandchildren, and stay active without pain.
他们可以走到公园，和孙辈们一起玩耍，并在没有疼痛的情况下保持活跃。
We also see great potential for physical workers, such as delivery couriers, warehouse staff, and
我们也看到了体力劳动者的巨大潜力，例如外卖快递员、仓库员工以及
factory workers who have to bend down and lift heavy boxes all day.
不得不整天弯腰搬运沉重箱子的工厂工人。
Wearing a back -support exoskeleton could dramatically reduce work -related back injuries, which are a
佩戴背部支撑外骨骼可以显著减少与工作相关的背部损伤，这是一种
major health issue globally.
主要的全球健康问题。
It is beautiful to think that this technology, which started as a high -tech military concept, could
想到这项最初作为高科技军事概念的技术，可以
become a tool for empathy and care, helping our grandparents stay active and protecting workers from injury.
成为一个体现同理心与关怀的工具，帮助我们的祖父母保持活力，并保护工人免受伤害。
What a wonderful vision of the future.
多么美好的对未来的愿景啊。
Well, Charles, our time is running out, but this has been an absolutely eye -opening conversation.
好的，查尔斯，我们的时间快到了，但这绝对是一场大开眼界的对话。
Thank you so much for joining us on TalkCast today and sharing your expertise in such an accessible way.
非常感谢你今天加入我们的 TalkCast，并以如此平易近人的方式分享你的专业知识。
It was my absolute pleasure, Emma.
这是我的绝对荣幸，艾玛。
Thank you for having me.
谢谢你邀请我。
And a big hello to all the English learners listening to us.
向所有收听我们的英语学习者致以亲切的问候。
Keep exploring and asking questions.
保持探索并提出问题。
Thank you, Charles.
谢谢你，查尔斯。
And to our wonderful listeners, we hope you enjoyed this journey into the world of wearable robotics.
致我们出色的听众朋友们，我们希望你们喜欢这段走进可穿戴机器人世界的旅程。
Now, before we wrap up today's episode, we have an exciting question for you to think about.
现在，在我们结束今天的单集之前，我们有一个令人兴奋的问题供大家思考。
Based on our conversation today, if you could use a wearable exoskeleton in your daily life, what
基于我们今天的对话，如果你能在日常生活中使用可穿戴外骨骼，你会
would you use it for?
你会把它用来做什么？
Would you use it to hike taller mountains, to carry heavy groceries, or perhaps to help an elderly
你是会用它去爬更高的山、搬运沉重的杂货，还是也许是为了帮助一位老人
family member move around more easily?
家庭成员更容易地四处走动？
Please share your thoughts with us.
请与我们分享你的想法。
You can write down your answer in the comment section below, or take a look at what other listeners
你可以把你的答案写在下面的评论区，或者看看其他听众
from around the world have written.
来自世界各地的人们写了什么。
We always love reading your creative ideas.
我们总是喜欢阅读你们富有创造力的想法。
If you love exploring the intersection of technology, science, and language learning with us, please
如果你喜欢和我们一起探索技术、科学和语言学习的交叉点，请
consider joining our TalkCast membership, subscribing to our channel, and sharing this episode with
考虑加入我们的 TalkCast 会员，订阅我们的频道，并将这一期分享给
your friends and fellow English learners.
你的朋友和同行的英语学习者。
Your support means the world to us, and helps us keep creating high -quality content.
你们的支持对我们来说意味着全世界，并帮助我们不断创造高质量的内容。
Also, a quick reminder for our listening community, the full English transcript, vocabulary notes,
另外，对我们的听众社区的一个快速提醒，完整的英文文字记录、词汇笔记，
and audio for this episode will be posted on our website at www .talkcast .top, as well as on our
以及本集的音频将发布在我们的网站 www.talkcast.top 上，以及在我们的
official WeChat public account, also named TalkCast.
官方微信公众号，也命名为 TalkCast。
Be sure to check them out to boost your English listening and reading skills.
请务必查看它们以提升你的英语听力和阅读技能。
Thank you so much for listening, and we will see you next time on TalkCast.
非常感谢大家的收听，我们下次在 TalkCast 再见。
Bye -bye!
再见！
