Panasonic's robotic division Activelink is going to introduce two powered exoskeleton suits that are inspired by the Caterpillar P-5000 Work Loader from the movie.

The loader can handle about 120 pounds and is designed to give people extra strength in demanding situations. Known as the Power Loader Lite, it uses far fewer motors than the 22 needed for the original large version.

Power is supplied by lithium-ion batteries housed by the backpack of the suit.

Activelink also plans to develop a special version of the Power Loader for use in space, and even a waterproof version for use in deep sea exploration.

The price is expected to be under $5,000, which sounds pretty reasonable. Check it out in the video below:

[Japan Crush, via CNET]